The U.S. Citizen Services (ACS) Unit can assist U.S. citizens who are destitute abroad due to robbery or other unforeseen circumstances.  If you find yourself in this situation, there is a number of alternatives available:

• Contacting Home: ACS can help you to contact family, friends, your employer, or other people in the United States who may be able to provide financial help.
• Wiring Money Directly: You, or your family, friends, or associates may be able to contact Western Union, or another similar service, to arrange for a money transfer.  The person receiving the money will need to show proof of identity, such as a passport.  If your passport has been stolen, please see our information about replacement of a lost or stolen passport abroad.
• Your Credit Card Company: Your credit card company may be able to advance you funds temporarily.  If your credit card was lost or stolen, report this immediately to your credit card company.  They may also be able to verify your credit card directly to your hotel or airline to enable you to checkout of your hotel, obtain replacement airline tickets, or receive other emergency services.  The person receiving funds or a new credit card will need to show proof of identity, such as a passport. If your passport has been lost or stolen, please see our information about replacement of a lost or stolen passport abroad.  You also may wish to ask your credit card company before you travel about the kinds of emergency services they may be able to provide.
• Bank to Bank Transfers: You may be able to transfer funds directly from your bank account in the United States to a bank in Ukraine.  Many banks will require you to establish a bank account before you can use this service, and may also charge additional transfer fees.  Bank to bank transfers often take several days to accomplish.
• Send Money through the U.S. Department of State: Family or friends may send money to you through the U.S. Embassy using the Department of State’s Overseas Citizens Services Trust program.  A $30 fee is charged for setting up and maintaining a trust account.  Please contact the ACS unit for more information about this option.

What if Family or Friends are Unable to Help?

Please contact the ACS Unit directly during our regular business hours to discuss your situation and the options available to you.