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American Citizen Services
Non Emergency Information
The Consulate offers the full range of American
Citizen Services.
The Consulate’s business hours are Monday
through Friday, 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 5:30pm, except Portuguese and American
holidays.
In order to minimize customer waiting times and
ensure staff availability, the U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada announces that as
of July 1st, 2007 all routine services including passport applications
and notarizations will be provided by appointment only. Applicants for
routine, non-emergency services are requested to contact the Consulate by
telephone (296-282-216) or email (ConsPontaDelgada@state.gov)
at least 2 working days in advance to schedule the time of their visit. Walk-ins
will be accepted in emergency cases only.
American citizens are welcome to visit the
Consulate anytime during business hours. However, workload and staffing levels
may limit the time and personnel we can spontaneously allocate to non-emergency
matters. For emergencies outside of business hours, American citizens can
call the Consulate (296-282-216) to obtain the cell phone number of the current
Officer on Duty.
Jump to:
Birth
of a U.S. Citizen Abroad- (in Portugal)
Child
Custody Disputes
Notarial
Services
Consular
Certificates
Passports
U.S.
Income Tax Assistance
Voting
in U.S. Federal and State Elections from Portugal
Marriage
in Portugal
Driving
an Automobile in Portugal
Entrance
and Registration Requirements for Portugal
Birth of a
U.S. Citizen Abroad- (in Portugal)
The Office of American Services can register
the birth of children born abroad to U.S. citizens and help parents to obtain a
first passport and social security number for newborn children. To obtain an
information packet on these services, call 296-282-216.
On the day of the appointment, the American
parent must bring the child to the Consulate with the following documents,
either in the original or a certified copy:
- Portuguese birth Certificate
- Passport of both parents
- Birth certificates of both parents
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of physical presence in the United States for the U.S. citizen. If both
parents are U.S. citizens it is not necessary.
- Divorce papers (if applicable)
- Health booklet
All documents must be originals. They will
be returned after being photocopied.
As we have limited cash available, we would
appreciate it if you bring exact change. The report of birth fee is $65 payable
in Euros. The first passport for a minor 16 years or younger costs $85 payable
in Euros. That is a total of $150 payable in Euros.
If you intend to give a non-Portuguese first
name, the Consulate will provide a letter to that effect. This needs to be done
before you go to the Portuguese civil registry to register the birth of your
child and apply for the Portuguese birth certificate.
Child
Custody Disputes
Portugal and the United States are parties to
the 1988 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
If a child is abducted from Portugal to the United States or another country
party to the Convention, the left-behind parent may file an application for
return at the Central Authority for Portugal. The address is:
Ministério da Justica
Instituto de Reinserção Social
Avenida Almirante Reis, 101-7
1197 Lisboa Codex
Telephone: (351) 21-352-4709
Fax: (351) 21-352-1582
If the child is abducted from the United States
to Portugal or another Convention party, the left-behind parent may file an
application for return with the U.S. Central Authority at the following address:
Office of Children's Issues
Bureau of Consular Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Washington D.C., 20520
Tel. (202) 736-7000
Notarial
Services
Notarial Services are available to all U.S.
passport holders and to foreign nationals with documents destined for use in the
United States.
To notarize a document, you must come in person
to the Consulate's American Citizen Service Unit with the following:
- A valid passport or identification issued by
a government agency
- The document to be notarized
- $30 payable in Euros.
- If the document must be witnessed, bring a
witness with you or be prepared to ask a client in the waiting room. Consular
officers and staff may not serve as witnesses for notarial purposes.
We are prohibited from authenticating certain
documents, including diplomas and marriage licenses.
Consular
Certificates
Applicants for consular certificates should
bring their passport for proof of identity. The fee is $30 payable in Euros.
Passports
The U.S. Department of State is pleased to offer a new online passport
application form procedure. This new process will promote faster passport processing and reduce data entry errors by
eliminating the need to manually enter data from handwritten passport
applications. Under the online form process, applicants for U.S. passports will
no longer have to handwrite personal data to fill out a passport application
form. Instead, the applicant may electronically enter his or her personal
information securely online and then print the finished form. In order to ensure
the privacy of data, the Department of State does not retain the data provided
by applicants using this process. Once the application form is printed, the data
provided to generate that form is automatically deleted.
The online form may be accessed at
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Blank passport application forms may also be downloaded from this website.
Completed passport application forms and accompanying documents must be submitted in person at the American Consulate, or other U.S. mission.
First Time Applicants
First-time passport applicants should bring
proof of identity and U.S. citizenship and one recent photograph. Photo must be
taken full face with a white or a very light background measuring 2 inches X 2
inches (5cm X 5cm). The passport fee, payable in Euros is $100 dollars (Euro
equivalent) for adults and $85 dollars (Euro equivalent) for children.
Passport Application Procedures for Minors
Starting February 1, 2008, the Department of
State requires the signature of two parents on a passport application for a
minor under the age of 16, and proof of parentage, except in certain limited
exigent or special family circumstances. The statute is a measure to minimize
the use of the U.S. passport in international parental child abduction.
Passport Renewals
The Consular Section renews expired U.S.
passports. Every attempt is made to issue passports as soon as possible, but you
should make sure you have enough time in your travel plans to obtain a new
passport. You must bring your most recent passport and two identical and recent
photographs. The photo must be taken full face with a white or very light
background measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm by 5cm).
The passport renewal fee payable in Euros is
$75.00 (Euro equivalent) for adults and $100.00 (Euro equivalent) for children
who were at least 16 years old when the most recent passport was issued;
otherwise the fee is $85.00 (Euro equivalent). We do not accept personal checks.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport
The Consular Section will replace lost or
stolen passports upon verification of your identity and citizenship. The
following items are needed in order to expedite your request for a replacement
passport:
1. Police Report: You must first file a report
with Portuguese police authorities that documents a lost or stolen passport.
Bring a copy of the police report to the Consulate.
2. Personal Identification: Please bring
documents to establish your personal identification such as a driver's license.
3. Proof of citizenship: A birth or
naturalization certificate, or photocopy of your missing or stolen passport
constitute proof of citizenship. If necessary, an American friend or relative
may accompany you to attest to your U.S. citizenship.
4. Photographs: Please include two identical
and recent full-face photographs taken with a white or very light background
measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm by 5cm) with your application. Photos that
are suitable for passports can be obtained in downtown Ponta Delgada.
5. Cash (in Euros): The fee for replacing a
passport is $100.00 (Euro equivalent) for adults and $85.00 (Euro equivalent)
for children 16 years or younger.
U.S. Income
Tax Assistance
U.S. citizens, including those with dual
citizenship and green card holders who live abroad, are responsible for
reporting their worldwide income. They are subject to taxation and have the same
filing requirements as those residing in the United States. Most U.S. citizens
who reside abroad are eligible for special tax benefits which exempt much of
their earned income from tax, and provide for foreign tax credits to avoid
double taxation of other income.
Every year from March until early June,
IRS-trained volunteers are available to assist others in the completion of tax
forms. If you are interested in receiving training to serve as a tax assistance
volunteer, please contact (21) 770-2414. To schedule an appointment with tax
assistance volunteers, please contact the American Embassy Lisbon's American
Citizen Services Unit at (21) 770-2411 or (21) 770-2499.
The Consulate supplies most federal (not state
or local) income tax forms and publications or you may download them from the
Internal Revenue Service web site
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.
Voting in
U.S. Federal and State Elections from Portugal
Most Americans who reside abroad are eligible
to vote in U.S. elections. Eligibility depends upon the laws and regulations of
your state of residence in the U.S. The absentee voting process is designed to
permit citizens who will be away from their local polling places on Election Day
to vote through mail. Absentee voters should request their ballots at least 60
days before an election.
The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is a
postage free postcard printed and distributed by the federal government for use
by absentee voters. The FPCA serves as a simultaneous registration form and
application for an absentee ballot. However, the extent of its use is controlled
by state law and sometimes by local procedure. Some states require that the
voter have their ballot notarized. The American Citizen Services Section
notarizes ballots free of charge.
To receive the FPCA or for additional
information, contact the American Citizen Services Section.
Marriage in
Portugal
American citizens who are contemplating
marriage in Portugal should understand that Portugal is not a place to conduct a
quick marriage. U.S. citizens wishing to marry in Portugal may do so only in
accordance with Portuguese law. Marriages cannot be performed at the American
Consulate, nor can the Consulate aid in circumventing Portuguese marriage
regulations.
Civil and church marriages are both recognized
as valid. Baptismal certificates are required only if the marriage is to be
performed in a Roman Catholic Church. Civil marriages are performed and
registered at Civil Registries (Conservatorias do Registo Civil). You must use
the Civil Registry which services the area in which you reside. If you can not
locate one, call the Consulate and we will help.
In order to be granted permission to marry in
Portugal you must meet the following requirements of the Portuguese Civil
Registry Code:
- Residence - One party to the marriage
must be in Portugal for a minimum of thirty days before notice of the intended
marriage can be given. A U.S. citizen permanently residing in Portugal must
present his or her residence card. A temporary resident or visitor must
present his or her passport.
- Birth Certificate - You will need a
certified copy of your birth certificate issued within the last six months. If
the marriage is to take place in the Azores, a certified copy of your birth
certificate, issued within the last three months, is required.
- Certificate of "No Impediment"
(Certificado de Capacidade Matrimonial). The Consulate provides a letter
addressed to the Civil Registry regarding the impossibility, by law, of
issuing a Certificate of "No Impediment".
- Consular Certificate – The Portuguese
authorities also require a consular certificate for marriage purposes. This
consular certificate is based on the U.S. citizen’s registration at the
consular section. We also provide a letter explaining that U.S. birth
certificates do not contain any amendments regarding previous marriages.
It is your responsibility to produce the
relevant documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, to prove that
any previous marriage has been legally terminated. Those documents, like the
birth certificate, must be certified and issued within the last six months (for
mainland Portugal) or the last three months (for the Azores).
Please note that any of the above documents
originally issued in any language other than Portuguese must be translated into
Portuguese and authenticated by a Portuguese notary public. The Consulate does
not have a translating service, but can furnish a list of translators.
Before leaving Portugal, you should have your
Portuguese documents certified. This will facilitate acceptance of proof of your
marriage in Portugal once you leave the country. Further information may be
obtained in the U.S. from the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate; or in Portugal
from your local Portuguese Civil Registry.
NOTE: American citizens contemplating
marriage may wish to consider getting married in Gibraltar where the entire
process may be accomplished in as little as 2-3 days. Further Inquiries should
be addressed to the Marriage Registrar in Gibraltar at (350) 72289 or (350)
78303.
Driving an
Automobile in Portugal
Portugal has one of the highest rates of
automobile accidents and fatalities in Europe. Road travel in certain areas is
hazardous due to poor illumination on narrow, rough roads, potholes, confusing
road signs, poorly marked road works, vehicles without working lights and
slow-moving road repair or agricultural machinery.
Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits,
and reckless motorcyclists are additional hazards. Fines for traffic violations
are substantial and must usually be paid on the spot. Taxis are a reliable means
of transportation and buses are reliable and inexpensive.
U.S. visitors to Portugal may drive with a
valid U.S. driver’s license for up to six months. After six months, you are
required to exchange your U.S. license for a Portuguese driver’s license at the
Direcçao Geral de Viaçao.
For specific information concerning Portuguese
driver’s permits, vehicle inspection and mandatory insurance contact the
Portuguese National Tourist Office.
Both international and local car rental
agencies are represented in Portugal. Car rentals are available from Portugal's
major international airports and at all airports in the Azores, though
availability can be limited.
Tourists may drive an imported car for up to
six months without paying import duties. Beyond six months, fees are applicable.
For detailed information on importing a car, contact the Portuguese Automobile
Club:
Automóvel Clube de Portugal
Rua Rosa Araújo 24
1250 Lisboa
Tel: (21) 356-3931
Fax: (21) 357-4732
Worldwide Web Page: www.acp.pt
Driver’s Licenses:
If you are a temporary visitor in Portugal, you
may drive with a valid U.S. (State) driver’s license up to a period of six
months. In addition to having your U.S. driver’s license, visitors are advised (but
not required) to carry an International Driving Permit, or attach a
Portuguese translation to their U.S. driver’s license.
The American Automobile Association (AAA)
issues International driver’s licenses in the United States. Request an
application from the American Automobile Association, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow,
Fl 32746-5063. Return the completed application to the same address with a
photocopy of your valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport-size (2x2 inches or
5x5 cm) photographs and a check (U.S. banks only) or International money order
for $10.00 payable to the AAA. The International driver’s license issued by the
AAA is valid for one year.
Entrance and
Registration Requirements for Portugal
Americans entering Portugal must have a valid
passport. Visas are required for temporary stays greater than 90 days. Those
wishing to extend their stay beyond 90 days may request permission from the
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, or from the local Portuguese police
station.
Portuguese Immigration
Service
(Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)
Ponta Delgada
Rua Marques Praia Monforte
Tel: 296-302-230
Portugal requires non-EU foreign nationals to
register with immigration officials within three days of entering Portugal. The
law affects those who transit a Schengen country (Austria, Belgium, France,
Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands) by air en route to
Portugal and who stay at noncommercial lodging. Because of the "open" borders
shared by Schengen countries, passengers on flights into Portugal from member
countries do not pass through immigration control upon arrival. The registration
requirement is intended to close this immigration "loophole".
Travelers staying at commercial lodging need
not register, as the hotel will take this responsibility. However, those staying
with friends, etc., must register with immigration authorities or face a fine
ranging from the Euro equivalent of $35 to $150. This requirement also applies
to third country nationals resident in Schengen countries. Legal permanent
residents of Portugal and holders of valid temporary resident visas are exempted
from the registration requirement.
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