VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 American Citizen Services JULY 5, 2017 Consular Mission Ecuador

A Newsletter for the U.S. Community in Ecuador

Welcome from the U.S. Ambassador My Fellow U.S. Citizens, I have confidence that the Did You Know? and Ecuador It gives me great pleasure to will be able to leverage greet you in this inaugural common interests to work issue of the American Citizen together in various topics In 2007, the Department of State Services (ACS) Newsletter. It’s including education, security, experienced an unprecedented fitting that this issue go out in health, business, English conjunction with July 4th – the language instruction, and surge in applications, birth of our nation. The ACS natural disaster preparedness issuing over 18 million Newsletter is an important in addition to other areas of tool for us to reach all of the cooperation. These as a result of the Western U.S. citizens residing in opportunities to collaborate Hemisphere Initiative Ecuador. will provide important Amb. Todd Chapman opportunities for U.S. citizens (WHTI). Those passports are now On July 4th, we commemorate living and working or beginning to expire. Renew your the Independence of the traveling to Ecuador. United States and honor the passport well ahead of planned great history of our . We look forward to serving travel to avoid possible delays! This year, we also take this you in the year to come and opportunity to celebrate a beyond. This newsletter is also available See page three for information new era in U.S.-Ecuadorian on our website at: https:// relations with the new about renewing. presidency of Lenin Moreno. ec.usembassy.gov/ Best wishes, The deepening and growing Please pass this newsletter on to ties between our two include new areas of Todd C. Chapman any other U.S. Citizens in Ecuador cooperation and build upon Ambassador and encourage them to enroll in Inside this issue: the diplomatic relationship STEP (https://step.state.gov/ shared between our two step/) to receive our newsletters Welcome from Consular 2 countries over the last nearly 200 years. in the future. Country Coordinator and A Word About July 4th For Your Information: 3 Passports, Photos, Taxes Upcoming Closures Zika Information Sheet 4 Independence Day (U.S.) Labor Day (U.S.) (July 4) (September 04) Travel Alerts/Warnings 5 Founding of Guayaquil A complete list of all of our (Consulate General only) holiday closings for 2017 is QTO U.S. Citizen Services 6 (July 25) available online at https:// ec.usembassy.gov/holiday- Independence Day (Ecuador) GYQ U.S. Citizen Services 7 calendar-2017/ (August 11) Page 2 AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES CONSULAR MISSION ECUADOR

Words from the Country Consular Coordinator I am very happy to share this In an effort to provide the inaugural issue of the best customer service possible, revamped U.S. Consular the U.S. Embassy is publishing Mission Ecuador American a newsletter to provide Citizen Services Newsletter. information that we believe This newsletter is intended to U.S. citizens living and provide tips and information traveling in Ecuador will find of interest to U.S. citizens useful. either living in or traveling through Ecuador. Our hope is As the Country Consular that this resource will provide Coordinator, I hope that this timely and useful information newsletter will be just one of about services provided in the ways that we can improve both the U.S. Embassy in the customer experience for Quito and the U.S. Consulate U.S. Citizens in Ecuador. We Country Consular Coordinator General in Guayaquil as well welcome your feedback at Alexander P. Delorey as general interest [email protected]. information related to health and safety. Every year we see more U.S. Respectfully, citizens choosing to make Ecuador their new home or Alexander P. Delorey Did You Know? choosing to visit to enjoy the Country Consular Coordinator incomparable wildlife, beautiful sights, and amazing Celebrations of the Fourth of culture. Our goal is to provide you with the best July became more common as services that we can, whether you require routine services the years went on —and in such as passport renewal, 1870, almost a hundred years Consular Reports of Birth or Death Abroad, or Social after the Declaration was Security and Federal Benefits assistance, or non-routine written, Congress first declared services such as help in an July 4 to be a national holiday . emergency.

Why We Celebrate July 4th?

U.S. citizens around the world So what did happen on July It’s also the date that was celebrate U.S. Independence 4, 1776? printed on the Dunlap Day on the Fourth of July Broadsides, the original The Continental Congress every year. We think of July printed copies of the approved the final wording 4, 1776 as a day that Declaration that were of the Declaration of represents the Declaration of circulated throughout the new Independence on July 4, Independence and the birth of nation. As a result, July 4, 1776. The date the final the United States of America 1776 became the date changes were approved, as an independent nation. ingrained in people’s minds as therefore, became the date However the Continental U.S. Independence Day. that was included on the Congress actually declared Declaration of Independence, independence from the British and the formal handwritten monarchy on July 2, 1776. copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National

Archives in Washington, D.C.) Page 3 AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES CONSULAR MISSION ECUADOR

Eyeglasses Are No Longer Permitted in Photos Please remove your face in view  Taken in the last 6 months eyeglasses when you take  You must have a neutral  Use either a plain white your next passport or visa facial expression or a or off-white background photo. Did you know that the natural smile, with both  Be sized correctly (2 x 2 eyes open majority of passport inches or 51 x 51 mm) Example of Acceptable Photo  You cannot wear a hat or  Printed in color That Follows the New Photo applications that had delays head covering (unless for Guidance in processing last year were medical or religious For more information about due to issues stemming from reasons) passport photo requirements, eyeglasses? As of November  You cannot wear visit the U.S. State 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no eyeglasses (unless for Department website, at longer allowed in U.S. visa medical reasons) https://travel.state.gov/

and passport photos. content/passports/en/ The photo should be: passports/photos.html A Few Reminders:  Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily  Your head must face the basis camera directly with full

Did You Know? Important IRS ITIN and Tax Updates Forbes Magazine and As of January 1, 2017, the Did You Know? For a calendar year return, IRS mandates that all the automatic two month International Living have ranked If you are a U .S . Individual Taxpayer extension is to June 15. Ecuador as one of the top five c i t i z e n or r e s i d e n t Identification Numbers (ITINs) alien residing overseas, or Note that you must pay any retirement destinations for the will no longer be valid for use are in the military on duty tax due by April 15 or last several years. on a tax return if they have outside the United States, you interest will be charged not been used at least once in may be allowed an automatic starting from April 15. the last three years. two month extension to file Please check IRS.gov to see if To find out more information, your return without requesting this extension applies to you. please visit IRS.gov. an extension.

Passports — Apply Now to Avoid Delays In 2007, we experienced an delays! advance of your passport unprecedented surge in expiration date and travel The U.S. Embassy and passport applications as a plans. result of the Western Consulate General accept Hemisphere Travel Initiative. U.S. passport applications Please visit the U.S. Embassy Nearly ten years later, those and forward them to the and U.S. Consulate General’s passports are beginning to United States for processing. web page at A passport, once approved, https://ec.usembassy.gov/ for expire. normally arrives at the information about applying We are expecting an Embassy or Consulate for a first time passport or increase in passport General and is typically renewal. applications through 2018. ready for pick-up in about 10 Submit your passport to 15 working days. Some application well ahead of more complicated cases may your planned travel dates in require additional processing order to avoid possible time, so please apply well in VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 4

Zika Information Sheet The Center for Disease Zika Virus in Pregnancy NOTE: Mosquitoes that Control (CDC) updated its spread Zika usually do not A pregnant woman can pass assessment regarding the Zika live at elevations about 6,500 Zika virus to her fetus. virus in Ecuador on March 10, feet (2,000 meters) because Infection during pregnancy 2017. Public health officials of environmental conditions. can cause serious birth have reported that defects. CDC recommends Check out the CDC’s website mosquitoes in Ecuador are Mosquitoes Transmit special precautions for the (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/trave the Zika Virus infected with Zika virus, which following groups: l/notices/alert/zika-virus- is spreading to people. The ecuador) for more information CDC recommends that •Women who are pregnant and tips on how to protect travelers to Ecuador use a •Women who are trying to yourself. variety of measures to protect become pregnant themselves from mosquito bites.

Additional Info for Travelers: What Can You Do To Prevent Zika? There is no vaccine or Pregnant and breastfeeding Stay in places with air Zika Travel Information medicine for Zika. Protect women should consult with conditioning and window and yourself by preventing their attending physician. door screens to keep Avoid Bug Bites mosquito bites: mosquitoes outside. Sleep While most repellents, under a mosquito net if air Cover exposed skin by including DEET, can be used conditioned or screened Insect Repellent Use and Safety wearing long-sleeved shirts on children older than two rooms are not available or if months, we urge parents to and long pants. sleeping outdoors. consult with their physician. Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, U s e p e r m e t h r i n - picaridin, oil of lemon treated clothing and gear eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2- (such as boots, pants, socks, undecanone (methyl nonyl and tents). ketone). Use as directed.

Post-Travel Recommendations Many people infected with If you feel sick and think you If you are pregnant: Zika virus do not feel sick. If may have Zika: a mosquito bites an infected Talk to a doctor or other person while the virus is still in Talk to your doctor if you health care provider after that person’s blood, it can develop a fever with a rash, your trip, even if you don't spread the virus by biting joint pain, or red eyes. Tell feel sick. another person. If you travel him or her about your travel. to Ecuador, you should take Remember to get lots of rest Low Elevation (Dark steps to prevent mosquito Purple) vs. High Eleva- and drink plenty of liquids. tion (Light Purple) bites for three weeks after Areas of Ecuador your trip, even if you don’t feel sick, so that you don’t spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes that can spread the virus to other people. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 5

Travel Alerts and Warnings; U.S. Citizen Messages

Travel Alerts and Warnings changes; some have been in Messages for U.S. Citizens The Department of State effect for years. At times, the U.S. Embassy or issues a Travel Warning when Consulate General may release we want you to consider very We issue a Travel Alert for short-term events we think you information specific to Ecuador carefully whether you should that may be of interest to U.S. go to a country at all. should know about when planning travel to a country. citizens that either are living in Examples of reasons for or traveling to the country. Such issuing a Travel Warning Examples of reasons for messages are posted to the might include unstable issuing a Travel Alert might Embassy’s website government, civil war, include a specific period that (https://ec.usembassy.gov/u-s- ongoing intense crime or is bound to have many strikes, citizen-services/security-and- violence, or frequent terrorist demonstrations, or travel-information/) and, if attacks. We want you to disturbances; a health alert conditions merit, sent via email know the risks of traveling to such as an outbreak of H1N1 to STEP enrollees. these places and to strongly flu; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist To enroll in STEP, please visit the consider not going to them at link https://step.state.gov/step/. all. Travel Warnings remain attacks. When these short- in place until the situation term events are over, we cancel the Travel Alert.

Worldwide Travel Caution (March 7, 2017) As part of the Department of make it easier to locate you in seek to kidnap U.S. citizens to State’s continuous efforts to an emergency. The may use conventional or non- finance their operations or for provide U.S. citizens traveling Department uses these conventional weapons to political purposes. In the abroad with information security messages to convey target U.S. government and wake of well-publicized about safety and security information about terrorist private interests. Terrorists attacks against commercial events, we have updated the threats, security incidents, are increasingly using less aircraft in Egypt by ISIS and Worldwide Caution with planned demonstrations, sophisticated methods of Somalia by al-Shabaab, the information on the continuing natural disasters, etc. In an attack to more effectively Department remains threat of terrorist actions, emergency, please contact the target crowds, including the concerned that terrorists could political violence, and criminal nearest U.S. Embassy or use of edged weapons, again seek to down aircraft activity against U.S. citizens Consulate or call the following pistols, and vehicles as using concealed explosives or and interests abroad. This numbers: 1-888-407-4747 weapons. Extremists hijack commercial flights. replaces the Worldwide (toll-free in the United States increasingly aim to assault Private U.S. citizens should not Caution dated September 9, and ) or 1-202-501- “soft” targets, such as: travel to any country to 2016. 4444 from other countries.  high-profile public events participate in armed conflict. As terrorist attacks, political U.S. government facilities (sporting contests, political U.S. citizens are reminded upheaval, and violence often worldwide remain at a rallies, demonstrations, that fighting on behalf of or take place without any heightened state of alert. holiday events, celebratory providing other forms of warning, U.S. citizens are These facilities may gatherings, etc.) support to designated strongly encouraged to temporarily close or terrorist organizations can maintain a high level of periodically suspend public  , clubs, and constitute the provision of vigilance and take services to assess their security material support for terrorism, appropriate steps to increase posture. In those instances, which is a serious crime that places of worship their security awareness when U.S. embassies and consulates  can result in penalties, including prison time and traveling. To better prepare will make every effort to  schools for possible emergencies, U.S. provide emergency services large fines. citizens are encouraged to to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens  parks In addition to concerns read Country Specific abroad are urged to monitor stemming from terrorism, Information pages, Travel  shopping malls and markets the local news and maintain travelers should be alert to Warnings, and Travel Alerts contact with the nearest U.S. the possibility of political on travel.state.gov before  infrastructure embassy or consulate. unrest, violence, planning a trip. Terrorist groups including ISIS,  public transportation demonstrations, and criminal Travelers are urged to enroll al-Qa’ida, their associates, systems activities when traveling. in the Smart Traveler and those inspired by such Country-specific information Enrollment Program (STEP) at organizations, are intent on  airports pages and Travel Warnings https://step.state.gov/step/ to attacking U.S. citizens In multiple regions, terrorists, should be consulted to obtain receive security messages and wherever they are. Extremists guerrilla groups, and criminals the latest data on such threats.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 6

American Citizen Services (ACS) Hours in Quito

U.S. Embassy Quito ACS Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WALK INS/NO APPOINTMENTS

8:00 am - Submission of Follow 09:00 am Up Documentation (90 Day Letters) Form DS-82/DS- 11:00 am - 5504 Passport Form DS-82/DS-5504 Form DS-82/DS-5504 12:00 pm Renewals Passport Renewals Passport Renewals Passport Pick Up Passport Pick Up Passport Pick Up

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 8:00 am - Consular Report of Consular Report of Consular Report of Consular Report of 9:30 am Birth Abroad Birth Abroad Birth Abroad Birth Abroad

1:15 pm - 3:30 pm Form DS-11 Passport Form DS-11 Passport Form DS-11 Passport Form DS-11 Passport Applications Applications Applications Applications 1:30 pm - Notarial Services Notarial Services 3:30pm

Contacting the ACS Unit in Quito The Consular Section is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with the exception of U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays. If you require ACS assistance during normal business hours, please email [email protected]. For emergency assistance outside of these hours, please call (02) 398-5000 and ask to be connected to the Duty Officer. Please note that staff members do not have access to the ACSQuito email inbox overnight or on weekends.

How Can American Citizen Services (ACS) Help in an Emergency? ACS seeks to ensure the welfare of U.S. citizens in emergency situations (e.g. in the event of robbery, assault, death, or medical emergency). In addition to speaking with an ACS Officer or the Duty Officer, we have numerous resources on our website includ- ing translation resources, medical facilities, info sheets on judicial process, and lists of lawyers you may wish to consider. For lost or stolen U.S. passports, we are able to assist with replacement documents during the next business day. People seeking these services should consult our website and look for the drop down section entitled “Lost or Stolen Passport” for information re- garding what you will need to bring to the appointment. If you are seeking emergency services during work days from 8:00 am—5:00 pm, please ask the guards to call the ACS section to request entry.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 7

American Citizen Service Hours in Guayaquil

U.S. Consulate Guayaquil ACS Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WALK INS/NO APPOINTMENTS Form DS-82/DS- Form DS-82/DS-5504 11:00 am - 5504 Passport Passport Form DS-82/DS-5504 12:00 pm Renewals Renewals Passport Renewals Passport Pick Up Passport Pick Up Passport Pick Up

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Form DS-11 Passport Applications 7:45 - 10:00 am 7:45 - 10:00 am 7:45 - 10:00 am 7:45 - 10:00 am Notarial 09:00 - 11:00 am Services

Consular Report of 10:00 - 11: 00am; 10:00 - 11: 00am; 10:00 - 11: 00am; 10:00 - 11: 00am; Birth Abroad 12:45- 2:00 pm 12:45- 2:00 pm 12:45- 2:00 pm 12:45- 2:00 pm

Contacting the ACS Unit in Guayaquil The Consular Section is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with the exception of U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays. If you require ACS assistance during normal business hours, please email [email protected]. For emergency assistance outside of these hours, please call (04) 371-7000 and ask to be connected to the Duty Officer. Please note that staff members do not have access to the ACSGuayaquil email inbox overnight or on weekends.