Under most circumstances, the Embassy cannot directly assist American citizens with cash. The Consular Section assists Americans overseas in financial trouble by contacting family, friends,  or employers on an American’s behalf and can assist in the transfer of funds from outside of  Ethiopia to the American in need. In rare instances that an American’s contacts cannot offer any assistance, the Embassy can issue a short-term loan to repatriate a U.S. Citizen to the United States. Recipients of loans must travel directly to the United States and all ticketing arrangements are made and paid for by the Embassy. Embassy loans may not be taken in cash and financial assistance is not available for legal permanent residents of the United States or to Foreign Nationals married to American citizens. Financial assistance/loan  is approved only if the American citizen looking for the assistance is in a dire situation and unable to get any source of fund, and if only ready to be repatriated to the United States. If you are in need of financial assistance please come to the Embassy Monday through Friday during working hours.