What to Do If You're Arrested or Robbed While Traveling Abroad
Immediate steps when arrested or robbed overseas
If you are arrested, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country immediately. Tell them your name, location, and the charges against you. The embassy cannot get you out of jail or pay fines, but they can tell you which local lawyers speak English, monitor your case, and notify your family if you ask them to. Do not sign anything or answer questions until you have spoken to a lawyer.
If you are robbed, report it to the local police within 24 hours and get a written report with a case number. This report is what you will need to replace a passport, file an insurance claim, or prove the loss to your bank. Keep a copy. Then contact your embassy or consulate — they can issue an emergency passport if yours was stolen, but only after you have the police report.
In both situations, write down the name and phone number of the officer or official you speak to, the date and time, and what was said. This record matters later if you need to dispute charges or follow up on a case.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the same day you are arrested or robbed; they have phone lines that work 24 hours a day.
- File a police report for robbery within 24 hours and keep the case number, because you will need it to replace documents and file claims.
- Do not sign documents or answer police questions without a lawyer present, even if an officer says it will speed things up.
- The embassy can connect you to English-speaking lawyers and notify your family, but cannot pay fines, post bail, or override local law.
- Keep detailed notes of every official you speak to, including their name, title, phone number, and what they told you.
How to reach the U.S. embassy or consulate
Every country where the U.S. has diplomatic presence has an embassy in the capital and consulates in major cities. You can find the phone number and address on the State Department website at travel.state.gov — search for the country name and "embassy" or "consulate." Most embassies have emergency phone lines that answer 24 hours, even on weekends and holidays.
If you cannot find the number or the line is down, call the State Department Operations Center in Washington at +1-202-647-1512. They can relay a message to the embassy or consulate nearest you. Have your passport number ready if you have it, or your full name and date of birth.
If you are in a remote area without phone service, go to the nearest police station or government office and ask them to contact the embassy for you. Tell them you are a U.S. citizen and need emergency assistance. Write down the name of the person who helps you.
What happens after you contact the embassy
An embassy official will ask you basic questions: your name, passport number, where you are being held or what was taken, and whether you need medical attention. They will explain what local laws apply to your situation and what the next steps are under that country's legal system. They cannot change those laws or get you special treatment, but they can tell you what to expect.
If you are arrested, the embassy will give you a list of local lawyers who speak English and have experience with cases involving Americans. You choose and pay the lawyer yourself — the embassy does not pay legal fees. The lawyer will advise you on whether to plead, negotiate, or go to trial under local law.
If you are robbed, the embassy can issue an emergency passport valid for one year if your passport was stolen. You will need the police report, a photo (they may have a camera), and proof of citizenship — a birth certificate or old passport photo if you have one. The process usually takes a few days.
Replacing a stolen or lost passport abroad
Go to the U.S. embassy or consulate with the police report, a government-issued ID if you have one, and a photo. If you do not have a photo, the consulate can take one. You will fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) and pay a fee, which varies by country but is usually between $100 and $200 in local currency or U.S. dollars.
An emergency passport is valid for one year and allows you to return to the United States. It is not valid for travel to other countries. Once you are home, you can apply for a regular passport through your local passport acceptance facility.
If your passport was stolen along with other documents, ask the consulate which documents you need to replace first. A passport is usually the priority because it lets you leave the country and board a plane home.
Dealing with local police and the legal system
Laws and police procedures are different in every country. What is legal in the U.S. may not be legal where you are, and what is illegal in the U.S. may be tolerated elsewhere. Do not assume you know your rights. Ask your lawyer to explain them.
In some countries, police can hold you for questioning for 24 to 72 hours before charging you. In others, they must charge you within hours. In some places, you have the right to a lawyer immediately; in others, you do not. Your lawyer will know the rules for that country and will tell you what to do.
If you are asked to sign a confession or statement, do not sign it unless your lawyer has read it and told you to. Confessions signed under pressure or without understanding the language are sometimes used against you later, even if they are false.
Notifying family and handling money from abroad
Tell the embassy if you want them to notify your family. They will call or email your emergency contact and let them know you are safe and where you are. This is especially important if you are in jail or hospitalized, because your family may not hear from you for days.
If you need money, your family can wire it to you through Western Union, MoneyGram, or a bank transfer. Ask the embassy or your lawyer which method works fastest in that country. Some countries have restrictions on how much money can be wired at once, so your family may need to send it in smaller amounts over several days.
Do not ask the embassy for a loan or money. They do not provide financial assistance. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the embassy whether the country has a public defender system or whether any local organizations offer free legal help.
Insurance and filing claims after robbery
If you have travel insurance, homeowners insurance, or renters insurance, check your policy to see whether it covers theft abroad. Most policies cover stolen luggage, cash, and electronics, but coverage varies. Call your insurance company and ask what documents they need — usually the police report, receipts for what was stolen, and photos if you have them.
Keep the police report safe. You will need it not only for insurance but also to report the theft to your credit card company and bank if cards or account numbers were stolen. Call those companies as soon as you can and ask them to freeze your accounts or issue new cards.
If your driver's license was stolen, you do not need to replace it while abroad. Once you are home, go to your state's DMV and apply for a new one. Bring the police report as proof of the theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the embassy get me out of jail or pay my bail?
No. The embassy cannot pay bail, post bond, or get you released. They can tell you what bail means under local law, connect you to a lawyer who can negotiate with the court, and make sure you are not being mistreated. Your family or lawyer must arrange bail money.
What if I do not have my passport number when I call the embassy?
Give them your full name, date of birth, and the city where you were born. If you have a photo of your passport or a copy at home, ask someone to email it to the embassy. The embassy can look up your passport records using your name and birth date.
Do I have to answer police questions if I do not speak the language?
You have the right to an interpreter in most countries, though the quality varies. Ask for one before you answer any questions. Your lawyer can also be present during questioning and can tell you when to answer and when to stay silent.
What if the police say I cannot contact the embassy?
In most countries, you have the right to notify your embassy. If police refuse, tell them you are a U.S. citizen and it is your right under international law. If they still refuse, ask for their supervisor. Once you see a lawyer, tell the lawyer what happened — they can file a complaint or contact the embassy on your behalf.
How long does it take to get an emergency passport?
Most consulates can issue an emergency passport in one to three business days if you have all the required documents. Some can do it the same day if you arrive early in the morning. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.