Arrest and Detention Abroad | Gateway to Finance

Travelers are expected to obey all of the laws of the countries they visit, and those who break these laws sometimes face severe penalties, including jail sentences.

First Steps

If you get into legal trouble, you (or a companion) should immediately contact your program director, trip leader or on-site staff (if applicable) or call the Temple University Police's 24/7 assistance line at (215) 204-1234.

A consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad should also be notified.

From the U.S. & Canada: (888) 407-4747
From Abroad: (202) 501-4444

Available Services

It is important to understand what services consular officers and embassy personnel can provide.

A U.S. Consular Officer can

Visit you in jail
Give you a list of local attorneys
Notify your family or friends and relay requests for money or other aid with your authorization
Intercede with the local authorities to ensure that you are treated humanely and ensure that your rights under local law are fully observed

A U.S. Consular Officer cannot

Get you out of jail
Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel
Pay fees or fines with U.S. government funds

U.S. embassy personnel can

Provide routine citizenship services and emergency assistance for American citizens abroad
Assist Americans abroad and their families in cases of death, serious medical emergencies and legal difficulties

Read more about Arrest or Detention Abroad on the U.S. Department of State’s website.