Travel Tips 29: What Should You do in a Travel Emergency?
Who do you call when facing an emergency in a foreign land?
1. Passport Replacement
In an emergency, an consulate (a.k.a embassy) officer can issue a replacement passport sometimes within 24 hours. The replacement passport, however, will be limited in duration. You will have to replace it with a full valid passport before traveling again. If you loose your passport, first report the theft to the local police and obtain a copy of the report.
2. Medical Assistance
You can contact a consulate officer for a list of local doctors, dentists and medical specialists. It is recommended that you have a valid medical insurance before you travel.
3. Getting Money
A consulate officer can help you to contact your family, bank or employer to arrange emergency funds for you. Best is bring your bank/credit card company 24-hour hotline number with you.
4. Arrested in a Foreign Country
You should ask the authorities to notify the Consulate General. Consulate officers can work to protect your legitimate interests. They can provide you with a list of local attorneys, visit you, inform you generally about local laws and contact your family and friends. Consulate officers can transfer money, food and clothing to the prison authorities and take necessary steps to ensure your welfare.
5. Disaster/Evacuation during Vacation
You should let your relatives know soonest that you are safe, or contact a consulate office who will pass the message to your family.
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Posted: January 22nd, 2008 under Travel Tips.
Comments: 2
2 Responses to “Travel Tips 29: What Should You do in a Travel Emergency?”
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January 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 am
For all emergencies, contact the embassy? Embassies and consulates are not service providers for travelers in distress. Be an adult, and not a whining baby running to the embassy. Get medical insurance - they will help you find a doctor. Get a credit card - if you lose it, they’ll get a replacement card to you inside of 24 hours, if you ask them to. Stick to the laws of the country you are traveling in (and if you don’t know them, that is YOUR responsibility) - embassy staff will almost certainly NOT be able to transfer money, food and clothing to you, as this article states. Grow up, be responsible.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 am
An embassy is not a baby sitter but it is a place it’s citizens can seek help from, no matter how trivial the matter is. I see nothing wrong going to the embassy, at the very least, I know I can get some genuine advice. I would trust the embassy staff more than strangers in a foreign land. Well, at least that’s what my parents used to caution us kids when we travel alone without them.