Victims of crime abroad

If you are a victim of crime while travelling overseas, the British Consul in that country can provide help and support - whatever the crime. Find out what consuls can and cannot do for you.

What consuls can do

Consuls can:

• contact your relatives and friends and let them know what has happened if that is what you want
• ask friends and relatives to help you with money or tickets
• tell you how to transfer funds
• help you get in touch with local English-speaking lawyers, interpreters and doctors
• at most posts (but only in a genuine emergency), advance up to £100 in local currency against a sterling cheque
• as a last resort and only provided certain strict criteria are met, make a repayable loan to return you to the UK

What consuls cannot do

Consuls cannot:

• investigate a crime or give legal advice
• pay your hotel, legal, medical or travel costs
• get better treatment for you in hospital than is provided for local nationals
• intervene in court cases

Help in the UK

If you've been the victim of a crime overseas or someone you know has suffered a violent death, help is available in the UK. For support and advice, contact your local doctor or the organisations listed below.

• Victim Support
• SAMM (Support after Murder and Manslaughter)
• The Samaritans
• Cruse Bereavement Care

If you are travelling with an Irish passport you can find useful information on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

• Travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs
• Information about Irish passports