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Victims of Crime
By
6 MINUTE READ

The State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.  We help in two ways:

  • Overseas: consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and help them with the local police and medical systems.
  • In the United States: our office of Overseas Citizens Services will stay in touch with family members in the United States, and help provide U.S.-based resources for the victim when possible.
If you are the victim of a crime overseas:
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
    • Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
    • Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas can be found here or by going to our individual Country Specific Information pages.
    • To contact the Department of State in the U.S. call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas).
    • Contact the local police to report the incident and get immediate help.  Request a copy of the police report.

If You Are the Victim of a Crime in Albania:
  1. Contact local police to report the incident and obtain immediate assistance.  The equivalent of the U.S. 911 in Albania is 129. Request a copy of the police report.
  2. Contact our office at +355-(0)-4224-7285 and ask for the American Citizen Services Unit.  In case of an after-hours emergency ask to speak with the duty officer.
Consular Assistance to U.S. Crime Victims:

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries.  It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.  Consular officers, consular agents, and local employees at overseas posts know local government agencies and resources in the country where they work.

We can help:

  • Replace a stolen passport
  • Contact family, friends, or employers
  • Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
  • Connect you to local and U.S.-based resources to assist victims of crime
  • Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

We cannot:

  • Investigate crimes
  • Provide legal advice or represent you in court
  • Serve as official interpreters or translators
  • Pay legal, medical, or other fees for you
Resources and Information for Crime Victims upon Return to the United States: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/crime.html

Evergreen, U.S. Citizen Services