Consular help from the FCDO: what the embassy can and can't do

The British embassy is a lifeline in a real emergency, but it isn't a bank, a law firm or a free taxi home. Knowing the difference before you need it saves a lot of grief.

The short version

• Consular help comes from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through embassies, high commissions and consulates. It's free, but some services, like emergency travel documents and notarial services, carry a fee [1].
• The FCDO can visit you if you're arrested, tell your family, give you a list of local lawyers and raise mistreatment. It can't get you out, interfere in court, give legal advice or pay for a lawyer [1].
• It can't pay your medical bills, give you money or settle private disputes [1].
• Dual nationals usually can't get help in the country of their other nationality [2].
• The 24/7 number is +44 (0)20 7008 5000. Choose "Consular services for British nationals" [3].

Who can get help

Help is for British nationals, and it doesn't depend on whether you live in the UK. Living in Spain for 20 years doesn't make you less eligible than someone on a fortnight in Benidorm [2]. "British national" includes British citizens and the other forms of British nationality, such as British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) [2].

The exceptions that catch long-term residents out [2]:

• Dual nationals in their other country. A British-French dual national living in France generally won't get help dealing with the French authorities. Exceptions may be made for vulnerable people in serious humanitarian cases, such as murder, child protection, forced marriage or facing the death penalty [2]. In a third country, dual nationals usually get the same help as other Brits [2][6].
• The British overseas territories. There's no consular service in places like Gibraltar or Bermuda; residents and visitors go to the local authorities [1][2].
• Non-British family members. Your non-British spouse or child isn't normally covered, though in a crisis the FCDO may help immediate family travelling with a British national, case by case [2].

What the FCDO can and can't do

The FCDO publishes its service standards in "Support for British nationals abroad: a guide" and its consular assistance guidance [1][3]. Here's what it boils down to.

Other things they don't do: investigate crimes, translate formal documents, get involved in private disputes (your landlord, your builder, your ex), or help someone get into a country [1]. Nor can they book UK visa appointments for non-British friends [3].

If you're arrested

It happens, and often over things that are legal back home: medication, a vape, a drone, a row in a bar that went too far.

1. Ask the police to tell the British embassy. Under international practice, foreign nationals can usually ask for their consulate to be told. If they don't offer, ask.
2. Expect a call or visit. Consular staff will check how you're being treated and whether you need anything [1].
3. Decide who should know. The FCDO only tells your family with your consent [1].
4. Get a lawyer from the list. The embassy gives you a list of local lawyers, but you choose and pay [1].
5. Raise any mistreatment. Staff can take concerns about your treatment up with the authorities [1].

What they won't do is argue your case. Local law applies to you just as it does to locals, and the embassy can't get you better treatment than local prisoners [1].

Hospital, death and crisis

In hospital. Consular staff can support you and point you to local medical services, but the bill is yours [1]. This is where living abroad differs from a holiday: your GHIC, S1 or local health cover and your insurance do the heavy lifting, not the FCDO. Check yours before you need it.

When someone dies abroad. The family deals with the local authorities and a funeral director; the FCDO supports. If no family is there, consular staff can ask the UK police to break the news, give details of international funeral directors, and advise on registering the death [1]. Repatriation is expensive and isn't paid for by the government, which is one reason life and travel insurance matter.

In a crisis. For natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorism or major transport accidents, the FCDO works with local authorities and may send extra staff [1]. How much it can do depends on the place: where it advises against all travel, its help is limited [1].

Travel advice: the one to sign up for

FCDO travel advice covers entry rules, safety and security, health and local laws for about 226 countries and territories [5]. Two reasons to take it seriously when you live abroad:

• Email alerts. Sign up on your country's page, or for all countries [5]. You'll hear about changes to entry requirements and security before the neighbours do.
• Insurance. Some travel and health policies may not cover you in an area the FCDO advises against travelling to. Check your policy wording.

When you travel onwards, read the advice for where you're going, not just where you live.

How to get in touch

Save the number in your mobile now, next to your insurer's emergency line. Calling at 3am from a hospital corridor is not the time to be searching GOV.UK. If you've lost your passport and need to travel, our guide to renewing a British passport from abroad explains the emergency travel document: £125, usually ready in two working days [4].

Sources

1. GOV.UK: Consular assistance, how the FCDO provides support
2. GOV.UK: Who the FCDO can support abroad
3. GOV.UK: Support for British nationals abroad, a guide
4. GOV.UK: Emergency travel document, how to apply
5. GOV.UK: Foreign travel advice
6. GOV.UK: Dual citizenship

Keep reading

• Renewing a British passport from abroad
• The NHS when you live abroad and the S1 for pensioners in the EU
• Registering a child born abroad and British citizenship by descent
• Health insurance between countries and the NHS on your return