We are here to help detained citizens and their families. We work within our authority and follow international, domestic, and foreign laws.  

We are committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizen detainees in other countries. The Department of State and U.S. embassies abroad have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad.    

Tips to avoid arrest abroad

• Understand that you are subject to the local laws and regulations while visiting or living in the country. 
• Learn which laws might be different from the laws in the United States. We provide information on some local laws for each country on our Destination Information pages. 
• For more information on a specific country’s laws, contact that country’s nearest embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel. 

In case of an arrest abroad

• Ask detaining authorities to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• Reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to let us know of the arrest or detention. 

Consular help for U.S. detainees 

A U.S. citizen arrested or detained abroad might feel confused and afraid. The detainee might be in a new place and may not know the local language, customs, or laws. 

 We can:

• Provide a list of local attorneys who speak English. 
• Reach out to family, friends, or employers of the detained U.S. citizen, normally with written permission from the detainee. 
• Visit the detained U.S. citizen on a regular schedule.  
• Bring reading materials and vitamin supplements when needed. 
• Request that local officials provide adequate and appropriate medical care.  
• Provide a general overview of the local criminal justice process. 
• Upon request, ensure that local officials allow visits with a member of the clergy of the religion of the detainee’s choice. 
• Set up an OCS Trust if needed. This lets friends and family send money to the detained U.S. citizen. 

We cannot

• Get U.S. citizens out of detention. 
• State to a court that anyone is guilty or innocent. 
• Provide legal advice or represent U.S. citizens in court. 
• Serve as official interpreters or translators. 
• Pay legal, medical, or other fees. 

The Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs provides information on the U.S. Department of State’s role in wrongful detentions.