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Travel emergencies abroad: international safety guide

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Experiencing a crisis in a foreign country can be overwhelming due to language barriers and unfamiliar legal or medical systems. Knowing how to contact your national embassy or consulate provides immediate support.

Do this now

  1. Know the emergency number for the country you are visiting (112 across Europe, 911 in North America, 999 in the UK).
  2. Contact your country's local embassy or consulate for emergency assistance.
  3. If your passport is lost or stolen: file a police report with local authorities immediately.
  4. Keep physical photocopies and digital photos of your passport, visa, and insurance cards stored separately from your original documents.
  5. Register with your government's traveler enrollment system (such as STEP in the US) before traveling.

What your embassy can and cannot do

Embassies CAN help you with: - Issuing an emergency replacement passport or travel document. - Connecting you with local English-speaking doctors, hospitals, or legal counsel. - Contacting family members or friends in an emergency to arrange financial transfers. - Assistance during natural disasters, civil unrest, or political evacuation. - Visiting citizens who have been arrested or detained abroad.

Embassies CANNOT: - Pay your medical bills, hotel bills, or legal fees. - Act as your attorney or demand your release from foreign jails. - Override local laws or border control decisions.

Medical emergencies while traveling

  • Check that your travel insurance includes emergency medical evacuation coverage before departing.
  • Carry a paper list of your chronic medical conditions, allergies, and prescription drug generic names (brand names differ internationally).
  • Keep medications in their original prescription bottles with your name clearly labeled.

Lost or stolen passports

  1. File a local police report immediately and obtain a copy of the official police document.
  2. Visit your home country's nearest embassy or consulate.
  3. Bring two passport-style photos, your police report, proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate scan or driver's license copy), and your flight itinerary.

... note "Traveler registration" U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP at step.state.gov). UK citizens can check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.