Sometimes concerned constituents call about a U.S. citizen traveling or living abroad.
The Department of State takes seriously its responsibility to protect the privacy of U.S. citizens who travel or live abroad. The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Department of State policies may limit what we can share about any U.S. citizen with family, friends, professionals, Congressional staff, and the media.
- The act governs how federal agencies, including the Department of State, collect, use, disclose, and maintain certain records about U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
- U.S. citizen records and personal information may not be disclosed without the individual’s prior written consent unless otherwise authorized by law.
- The Department of State privacy policy(opens in a new tab) includes more information on the Privacy Act and the systems of records notices.
Contact the Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services about how the Privacy Act might impact a case. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET, except U.S. holidays.
888-407-4747