Embassy/Consulate

Problems in a foreign country

If you have a problem during your trip, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting. They can provide you with useful advice in the following situations:

• loss or theft of documentation,
• arrest,
• serious accident,
• death,
• various difficulties with the local authorities or private individuals.

What the embassy/consulate cannot do

• Repatriate you at the expense of the state, except in exceptionally serious situations and subject to subsequent reimbursement.
• Pay a fine, a hotel or hospital bill or any other expense incurred.
• Advance money without the prior provision of guarantees.
• Issue a passport on the spot.
• Intervene in the course of justice to obtain your release if you are involved in a court case or charged with an offence committed in the territory of a host country.
• Act as a replacement for a travel agency, a bank or insurance company.
• Formally provide consular protection if you are also a national of the country in which you are travelling.