If something goes wrong when abroad
Advice and information about what to do if you get into trouble or are a victim of crime abroad. You should find and contact an embassy, high commission or consulate.
Find an embassy, high commission or consulate
In Commonwealth countries, the UK government’s main offices are usually high commissions or deputy high commissions. In other countries they are embassies.
Consular staff sometimes also work in separate buildings called consulates general or consulates.
In some places where there are no diplomatic or consular missions, there are honorary consuls.
Consular staff can offer practical advice, help and support. You can find details at this link:
Dual nationals
If you're a dual British national in a third country (that is, a country of which you are not a national), you can get full support.
You do not need to be travelling on your British passport.
If you're a dual British national in the country of your other nationality (for example, a dual US-British national in the US), support would not normally be offered.
If someone dies while abroad
If someone dies while abroad, you can get information on what to do at this link:
Victim of crime abroad
Anyone can call local emergency services anywhere in the European Union using the number 112.
If you're a victim of crime abroad, a consulate or embassy can provide help and support.
In most countries, you must report the crime before you leave the country if you want it to be investigated. You might need to report the crime to make a travel insurance claim.
You may be able to claim compensation if you’re the victim of crime abroad.
- Compensation if you're a victim of crime abroad
- Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks abroad
Rape and sexual assault
You can get specific help if you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault abroad.
Report a lost or stolen passport
You must report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible.
Arrested or in prison abroad
If you are arrested or imprisoned overseas while travelling as a British national, you should contact or ask the local authorities to contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate as soon as possible.
If concerned that local authorities have not contacted it, ask family or friends to do so.
The British embassy, high commission or consulate will aim to contact you as soon as possible after being told about your arrest or detention.
You can find detailed advice at this link:
Travelling on an Irish passport
If you are travelling on an Irish passport, you can find useful information at the following links: