Many people will be travelling abroad over these next few weeks. Understanding what to do if a problem arises can mean the difference between a distraction and a disaster. Take a few moments to learn what your embassy can do for you in the event of trouble.
Dos and Don’ts
Your embassy will likely provide you with guidelines for visiting the region. The British Embassy in Dubai puts out a list of dos and don’ts that can help visitors avoid getting into trouble in the first place.
The Dubai list includes items like no sharing hotel rooms for unmarried couples, no hugging in public and other bans on open displays of affections. Using a mobile phone while driving, and tailgating, are also illegal.
Breaking the laws of the country you are visiting can mean facing a hefty fine or even jail time. Offering information about the things that are acceptable (and what is NOT acceptable) can be one of the best things your embassy will do for you.
The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is the agency responsible for the British Embassies around the world. This agency provided the first point of contact in the event of trouble.
Sick or Injured
The embassy can help you contact family and friends in the event you are hospitalized while abroad because of an unexpected accident or illness (these policies do not usually cover those that have traveled abroad for medical treatment). Some embassies will even send a representative to the hospital to visit you and check on the care that you are receiving.
The embassy will NOT pay for the costs that are incurred from your sickness or injuries that occur during travel. Travel insurance provides the assistance you need in these situations and should be something that you consider before you travel abroad.
Arrested, Detained or Imprisoned
The embassy will attempt to contact the detained person within the first twenty four hours of being notified of an arrest. Legal representation will have to be obtained locally, but the embassy will help by providing a list of interpreters and lawyers. Messages to family members may be sent through the embassy staff. A more active approach to helping citizens may be taken when an embassy feels that nationals are being treated unfairly (not in accordance with internationally accepted standards regarding fair trials and prisoners’ rights).
Embassies are not going to pay for costs incurred because of arrests, prevent deportation or offer legal advice. You should never expect the embassy to get you special treatment.
Other Help from an Embassy
The issuing of replacement passports will be handled by your embassy in the event your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad. You will need to have access to your documents to get a replacement passport so consider emailing yourself the scanned documents that you can easily access from the embassy.
Most embassies will provide you with the information you need to transfer funds.
Special arrangements for transportation in the event of disasters may be handled through your embassy.
Keep in mind that some services provided by your embassy may carry a charge.
The help provided by your embassy will not make all problems go away. Consider the embassy a place to find information and basic assistance. Use the information you receive from your embassy to avoid any problems while you are travelling abroad. An embassy offers the most help before problems have occurred by giving you up to date information about the region, so use it before as well as after problems arise.