How to contact your embassy in an emergency
Find your embassy's 24/7 emergency contact number on the official government website of your home country before you travel. In a crisis, call this specific number rather than the standard office line to reach a duty officer who can assist with arrests, hospitalizations, or lost passports.
- Find the correct emergency line. Do not rely on a general office phone number. Search [Your Country] Embassy [Destination Country] and navigate to the 'Emergency Assistance' or 'U.S. Citizen Services' page. Write down the 24/7 'After-Hours' or 'Duty Officer' phone number.
- Save the contact info offline. Save the duty officer's phone number in your mobile phone's 'Favorites' and write it on a physical card to keep in your wallet or passport holder. If your phone is stolen or dies, you will still have access to the number.
- Prepare your documentation. Before calling, have your passport number, current location, and a brief summary of the emergency ready. If you are reporting a theft or arrest, know the exact location of the police station you are currently at.
- Contact the duty officer. Dial the emergency number. If you are calling from a local SIM card, ensure you include the correct international country code for the embassy's location.
- Will the embassy help me with lost money?
- No. The embassy will not provide cash to replace lost funds. They can help you contact family or friends back home to arrange a wire transfer through services like Western Union.
- Can the embassy pay my medical bills?
- No. You are responsible for all medical costs. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation.
- What if the embassy is closed?
- The 'emergency' or 'duty officer' number mentioned in the steps is specifically for after-hours and weekend emergencies. Always call that number rather than the main office line.