The British Consul

If you are unlucky enough, or stupid enough, to get on the wrong side of the law while you are in a foreign land, you should contact the British Consul and try to explain your situation clearly, giving as much detail as you can manage. Important things to remember to mention are the full address of the prison, the contact details of any lawyers you might be dealing with, the specific circumstances of your alleged misdemeanour, and and anything else that might pertain to your case.

When you are apprehended in a foreign country, it is advisable to stay calm, be co-operative, and avoid being violent or abusive, as you can really make things a lot worse for yourself if you do.

If you are a UK citizen in a country that has diplomatic relations with Britain, it is well within your rights to insist that the British Consul is notified of your arrest and incarceration. Tell your friends or relatives back home to speak to the British Consul or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London - the number is +44 (0) 207 008 1500. The charity Prisoners Abroad, which was set up to help British Citizens that are imprisoned in foreign countries, could be able to help, so it's worth getting in touch with them as well.

If you are a victim of crime while you are on holiday, or if you get arrested in a foreign country, you are entitled to help from the British Consul. Put simply, The British Consul is a network of offices dotted around the globe, in every country that enjoys diplomatic relations with the UK, that are there to help Britons if they have any troubles abroad. There are certain things that the Consul can do for you when you are abroad, if you want.

If you have a real cash emergency in the country where you are staying, for example if all your money has been stolen and you can't afford to eat or get to the airport, they can lend you up to £100 in the local currency as long as you can present a cheque backed up by a valid cheque guarantee card. If you genuinely have no friends or relatives that you can borrow money from, they might be able to lend you the money for your travel home, although you must meet their strict criteria.

The Consul can't do everything for you, however. They cannot sort you out with better hospital treatment than the locals are entitled to, pay hotel, legal, medical or travel costs, investigate crimes, provide you with legal advice, or intervene in legal proceedings.

If you become a victim of crime in a foreign country, or if a friend or relative has died as a result of a violent assault, then you would be forgiven for not wanting to talk about it with anyone. However, such events can be very distressing, and talking to a doctor or a counsellor about it can really help. There are several UK-based charities and organisations that the British Consul can get you in touch with if you feel that this would be helpful in your circumstances.

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