Consulate General Belfast
Other American Citizen Services
How to contact us
You should telephone (028) 9038 6104 during office hours (8:30am through 5:00pm) or email consularbelfast@state.gov to make an appointment prior to visiting the Consulate. This will enable us to ensure that the necessary personnel are available to assist you at the time of your visit.
Emergency Out-of-hours Contact Details
In the case of a genuine emergency involving a United States Citizen outside normal business hours, you may contact a Duty Officer at [44] (0)870-238-5428.
Child Custody Information
International Parental Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction came into force between the United States and the United Kingdom on July 1, 1988. Therefore, Hague Convention provisions for return would apply to children abducted or retained after July 1, 1988. Parents and legal guardians of children abducted or retained after July 1, 1988, may still submit applications for access to the child under the Hague Convention in some cases.
For in depth information on the workings of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction visit the
State Department's International Parental Child Abduction Page.
If your child has been abducted from the United States to Northern Ireland you can obtain the U.S. Central Authority application form at http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/DS-3013.pdf. For guidance and instructions on completing the application form refer to the
U.S. Central Authority's Brochure.
If your child has been abducted from Northern Ireland to the United States the Northern Ireland Central Authority may be contacted at (028) 9032-8594.
Preventing Child Abduction
If you are a resident of Northern Ireland and fear that your United States citizen child might be taken abroad by the other parent without the mutual consent of both parents, the child's name can be put in the U.S. passport namecheck system. Then, if an application is received, the requesting parent will be informed before issuance of the passport.
When there is a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the removal of the child from the jurisdiction of the court and/or the requesting party without prior consent, and the order is provided to the American Citizens Services Section at the Consulate, a U.S. Passport may be denied.
Requests and, if relevant, court orders should be sent to:
American Citizen Services
Danesfort House
223 Stranmillis Road
Belfast BT9 5GR
Phone: [44] (0)28 9038 6104
Fax: [44] (0)28 9068 1301
Email: consularbelfast@state.gov
For passport assistance if you are resident in the United States, please visit the State Department's International Parental Child Abduction site at http://www.travel.state.gov/family/abduction/abduction_580.html.
Reunite International is a UK charity specializing in international parental child abduction. They provide advice, information, and support to parents, family members and guardians who have had a child abducted or who fear child abduction. They also provide advice to parents who may have abducted their child with emphasis on helping such parents to come out of hiding and to regulate their child's position within the law, as well as advising on international custody disputes. The charity can be contacted as follows:
Advice line: 0116-2556-234
Email: reunite@dircon.co.uk
Information for American citizens traveling to Northern Ireland
Online travel Registration with the Consulate
List of Local Doctors and Dentists
The Consulate General assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons whose names appear on this list.
American citizens are reminded that medical treatment cannot be provided free of charge as visitors to this country do not qualify for treatment under the National Health Service. It is important to telephone the doctor's surgery for an appointment. A list of general practitioners in your area can be obtained from your local post office, library, Thompson telephone directory, and by NHS Direct at 0845 4647.
General Physicians:
Dr. J. M. Fitch, 2 Lower Crescent, Belfast, BT7; Tel: (028) 9032-0919.
Dr. Hamilton or Dr. Boyd, 436 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6GR; Tel: (028) 9066-7595.
Dental Surgeons:
Mr. Martyn Chapman, 502 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4; Tel: (028) 9065-3678.
Mr. D. E. B. Mark, 32 Shore Road, Holywood, Co. Down; Tel: (028) 9042-7325.
Mr. D. F. McKenna, 47 Clarendon Street, Londonderry; Tel: (028) 7126-9189.
Information about Legal Aid and List of Solicitors in Northern Ireland
The Consulate General assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons whose names appear in this database.
Tourist Information
Information and Advice Centers
Marriage Regulations in Northern Ireland
How to obtain Public Records in Northern Ireland
How to obtain a copy of a U.S. Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate
American Organizations in Northern Ireland
Ulster American Women's Club (UAWC) - Contact details can be obtained from the Consulate. Please telephone (028) 9038-6100.
American Expats in the U.K.
Driving in Northern Ireland
Information on UK Immigration
A visa is not required for tourist or business visits to the UK of less than six months in duration. Those planning to visit the UK for any purpose other than tourism or business, or who intend to stay longer than six months, should consult the website of the British Embassy in the United States at http://britainusa.com for information about current visa requirements. Those who are required to obtain a visa and fail to do so may be denied entry and returned to their port of origin. The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene in UK visa or immigration matters.
The British government is currently considering reducing the visa-free period from six months to 90 days. Travelers should be alert to any changes in legislation. Information will be posted here if the change is implemented following the consultation period.
In addition to the British Embassy website at http://britainusa.com, those seeking current UK visa information may also contact UK consular offices via their premium rate telephone service at 1-900-656-5000 (cost $3/minute) or 1-212-796-5773 ($12 flat fee) in the United States. The service operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time, excluding public holidays. There is also a no-fee web site for visa information at http://www.visainfoservices.com .
For general information, you can consult the UK Home Office Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) website at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk. Entry requirements for specific visa categories (e.g. student, fiancé/e, settlement, employment) may also be found at that site.
If you have been denied entry to the UK, or have encountered difficulties with UK immigration and need professional assistance from qualified immigration practitioners, you may wish to contact:
U.K. Immigrants Advisory Service (UKIAS)
Central London Office 44 (0)20-7967-1200
http://www.iasuk.org
Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
http://www.oisc.gov.uk
BIA Complaints Unit
PO Box 1384
Croydon, Surrey CR9 3YJ
Tel: 44 (0)87-0241-6523
Fax: 44 (0)20-8760-4310
Email: IND.CU@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/contact/contactspage/complaints/
Other Special Consular Services
Further general information about Special Consular Services - Death of U.S. citizens abroad, Destitution, U.S. citizens in Prison Abroad, Welfare & Whereabouts, etc, visit the Department of State's Consular Website.
Social Security Administration / Federal Benefits Unit Information
Customs Information
Tax Information
Voting Information
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Other American Citizen Services
