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Abroad · Iceland
Updated September 2026

🔓 Someone I know has been arrested abroad — what can be done?

Direct answer

Every detained EU citizen has the right to have their consulate informed and to a lawyer and an interpreter — ask for both, immediately and in writing. Utanríkisráðuneytið — borgaraþjónusta (545 0100) — the consular service of Iceland — visits, checks conditions, passes messages to the family, and provides a list of local lawyers; it cannot get anyone released or interfere with the case. Gjafsókn (dómsmálaráðuneytið) / Lögfræðiaðstoð Orators (stjornarradid.is) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Bjarkarhlíð — þjónustumiðstöð fyrir þolendur ofbeldis (553 3000) supports the family at home.

Call firstUtanríkisráðuneytið — borgaraþjónusta
Report toGjafsókn (dómsmálaráðuneytið) / Lögfræðiaðstoð Orators
If that failsBjarkarhlíð — þjónustumiðstöð fyrir þolendur ofbeldis

🗣️ What to say

"[Name], a citizen of Iceland, was arrested in [city, country] on [date] and is held at [place if known]. I am [relation]. Has the consulate been informed? Can you visit, confirm their situation, and help with a lawyer and passing messages?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Consular line: Utanríkisráðuneytið — borgaraþjónustaGive name, date of birth, place of detention, what you know. Ask them to make contact.
  2. LawyerA local lawyer, from the consulate's list or via legal aid. A lawyer from home can advise but usually cannot act there.
  3. Do not pay "release fees"Calls asking the family for money to free someone are almost always scams. Verify through the consulate.
  4. Money and messagesThe consulate can transfer funds from the family for essentials and pass letters.
  5. Long detentionTransfer to serve a sentence at home is possible under EU and Council of Europe rules; the consulate and the lawyer explain.

📇 All contacts

Utanríkisráðuneytið — borgaraþjónustaAssistance to Icelanders abroad, emergency lineIn an emergency abroad📞 545 0100🔗 www.stjornarradid.is/verkefni/utanrikismal/borgarathjonusta
Gjafsókn (dómsmálaráðuneytið) / Lögfræðiaðstoð OratorsLegal aid on low income; free student legal adviceWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.stjornarradid.is/verkefni/log-og-rettur/gjafsokn
Bjarkarhlíð — þjónustumiðstöð fyrir þolendur ofbeldisFree support, advice, compensation claimsAfter any crime📞 553 3000🔗 www.bjarkarhlid.is

❓ Frequently asked

Can the consulate get them out?

No — they cannot interfere with the justice system of another country. They ensure fair treatment and contact.

What if the person is a dual national of that country?

The other country may not recognise the right to consular access. The consulate still tries.

Will it be on their record at home?

Foreign convictions can be exchanged between EU countries (ECRIS). A lawyer at home can advise on the consequences.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

  • “arrested abroad what to do Iceland”
  • “consular assistance detained citizen”
  • “family member in prison abroad help”
  • “legal aid abroad arrested”
  • “transfer prisoner home eu”

🧭 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

🆘Help abroad→🛂Passport lost abroad→

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