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Abroad · Switzerland
Updated September 2026

🆘 I am in trouble abroad — when and how do I call consular help?

Direct answer

Consular help is for emergencies: serious illness or accident, a death, an arrest, a lost passport, a crisis or disaster, being a victim of crime — and it exists 24/7 through EDA — Helpline (+41 800 24 7 365). It does not pay bills, book flights or intervene in private disputes, but it tells you who can, contacts family, and issues documents. For immediate danger, the local emergency number — 112 — emergency (112) — works in every EU country and most others. Money problems (medical bills, repatriation) are what travel insurance is for; Ombudsman der Privatversicherung und der SUVA (044 211 30 90) if it refuses.

Call firstEDA — Helpline
Report to112 — emergency
If that failsOmbudsman der Privatversicherung und der SUVA

🗣️ What to say

"I am a citizen of Switzerland in [city, country]. [What happened: accident / illness / victim of crime / lost documents / crisis]. I need [help with…]. I am at [place] and can be reached at [number]."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Danger now: 112Or the local number; the operator connects you to the right service in English in most places.
  2. Consular line: EDA — HelplineThey know the local hospitals, police procedures and lawyers, and can contact your family.
  3. Insurance assistance lineOn your policy card; they arrange and pay for medical care and repatriation. Call them early, not after.
  4. DocumentsLost passport: see that page. Keep a photo of your documents in your phone and with someone at home.
  5. Crisis or disasterRegister with your foreign ministry's travel-registration service so they can reach you; follow their travel advice.

📇 All contacts

EDA — HelplineConsular help abroad, 24/7In an emergency abroad📞 +41 800 24 7 365🔗 www.eda.admin.ch/helpline
112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112
Ombudsman der Privatversicherung und der SUVAFree mediation in disputes with insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 044 211 30 90🔗 www.ombudsman-assurance.ch
Opferhilfe Schweiz (kantonale Beratungsstellen)Statutory victim support: advice, emergency help, compensationAfter any crime🔗 www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch

❓ Frequently asked

Can the consulate lend me money?

In genuine emergencies, a repayable loan for a ticket home may be possible as a last resort. Family transfers via the consulate are more common.

I am a victim of crime abroad

Local police report, then the consulate, then victim support at home — see that page; EU rules let you report at home too.

Someone died abroad

The consulate helps with the local procedures, the documents and repatriation; the insurer usually pays the transport.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “consular help abroad Switzerland”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛂Passport lost abroad→🔓Arrested abroad→

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