Support for British Nationals Abroad

Falling sick, being a victim of crime or facing an emergency are traumatic events under any circumstances. When these problems happen abroad they can be even more difficult. There are many ways in which you can help yourself to stay safe abroad and make sure that you are covered in case things go wrong but if you do get into difficulty, it is important to know what help the British Consulate provide and how you can get it.

They can:

issue replacement passports

provide information about transferring funds

provide appropriate help if you have suffered rape or serious assault, are a victim of other crime or are in hospital

help people with mental illness

provide details of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors and funeral directors

do all they can to contact you within 24 hours of being told you have been detained offer support and help in a range of other cases such as child abductions, death of relatives overseas, missing people and kidnapping contact friends and family for you, if you want; and

make special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters

They cannot:

get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings help you enter a country, for example, if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid (they cannot interfere in another country's immigration policy or procedures)

give you legal advice, investigate crimes or carry out searches for missing people (although they can give you details of people who may be able to help you in these cases such as English-speaking lawyers)

get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people

get involved in any problems relating to property or land (the FCO cannot interfere in another country's land laws, nor do they have the legal expertise or resources to advise on particular cases. However they can provide a list of English speaking lawyers and of relevant local associations who may be able to offer you advice).

pay bills or give you money (in very exceptional circumstances they may lend you some money from public funds, which you will have to pay back) make travel arrangements for you or find you work or accommodation make business arrangements on your behalf.

MAJOR CATASTROPHES

Some major catastrophes involving British nationals abroad may need exceptional levels of response from consular staff. Use their new LOCATE service to tell them where you're travelling so the embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack. It only takes a few minutes to register your contact details and travel plans online and the local British Consulate will know when you're in Spain. There's no need to contact them directly. You can access  the online   registration  at: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate/