If Something Goes Wrong Abroad
Who to call, in what order, and how the U.S. embassy can help.
Get Free Trip QuotesEven careful travelers sometimes have a bad day. The good news is that most problems abroad have a well-worn path to a solution. Knowing that path in advance — and whose number to call first — turns a crisis into an inconvenience.
Who to Call First
| Situation | First call | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Medical emergency, fire, crime in progress | Local emergency services (the number varies by country; look it up before you go) | Your insurer’s assistance line; the U.S. embassy if you need help with family or documents |
| Lost or stolen passport | Local police, for a report | The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report it and apply for a replacement |
| Lost or stolen cards | Your bank’s card-loss line | The police, if you need a report for insurance |
| Arrest or detention | Ask the authorities to notify the U.S. embassy | The embassy can provide a list of local lawyers |
| Natural disaster or unrest | Follow local authorities’ instructions | Check STEP alerts and the embassy website; tell family you are safe |
What a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Can Do
- Replace a lost or stolen passport, often as an emergency passport for urgent travel.
- Help you contact family, friends or your employer.
- Provide lists of local doctors, hospitals and lawyers.
- Visit U.S. citizens who are arrested and check on their welfare.
- Help in a crisis, including sharing information about departure options.
There are also limits. Consular staff cannot act as your lawyer, pay your hotel or medical bills, get you out of jail, or investigate crimes themselves. That is why insurance, a backup card and copies of your documents matter so much.
U.S. citizens can reach the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada, or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.
Lost Passport: Step by Step
- Report the loss or theft to the local police and keep a copy of the report.
- Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and make an appointment.
- Bring a passport photo, any ID you still have, the copy or photo of your lost passport, and proof of your travel plans.
- Ask whether you need an emergency passport for immediate travel and a full replacement once home.
- Contact your airline or travel agent about any changes to your bookings.
Getting Home Early
If illness, a family emergency or events on the ground mean you need to come home early, call your travel agent or airline first, then your insurer to check what trip-interruption cover will pay. In a large-scale crisis, follow embassy instructions through STEP; government-arranged departures are rare and are not free, so commercial options come first whenever they exist.
Having a travel professional on your side helps here. When something goes wrong at three in the morning, a specialist who booked your trip can rebook flights and hotels while you look after yourself.
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