US citizens in Austria can now seek travel help at McDonald’s

U.S. citizens facing travel problems in Austria can now turn to McDonald’s restaurants for assistance. 

Under a new partnership between McDonald’s Austria and the U.S. Embassy in the country’s capital, Vienna, staff at the popular fast-food chain can now aid travelers in need.

Restaurant staff will be able to help U.S. travelers who have reported a stolen passport or are seeking travel assistance, according to a video posted by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.{mosads}

“American citizens traveling in Austria who find themselves in distress and without a way to contact the U.S. Embassy can enter – as of Wednesday, May 15, 2019 – any McDonald’s in Austria, and staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services,” a post on the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page reads.

According to CNN, the two signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday, but the deal became effective as of Wednesday. 

A number of Facebook users posted comments supporting the move, though others questioned the necessity of the new program.

One Facebook user asked whether the announcement would mean replacing a staffed embassy.

“Certainly not,” the U.S. Embassy in Vienna replied. “Our Embassy is fully staffed and ready to assist American citizens in need. This partnership is only one extra way for Americans to connect to the Embassy when they are in an emergency situation.”

Many others used the opportunity to make jokes. “One McPassport to go, please,” one commenter wrote.

McDonald’s Austria and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.