Arrested abroad — Ministerstvo zahraničných vecí

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. Ministerstvo zahraničných vecí — konzulárna pomoc (02 5978 5978) — the consular service of Slovakia — 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. Centrum právnej pomoci (0650 105 100) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Intervenčné centrá pre obete trestných činov / Pomoc obetiam násilia (0800 500 500) supports the family at home.

Call firstMinisterstvo zahraničných vecí — konzulárna pomoc

Report toCentrum právnej pomoci

If that failsIntervenčné centrá pre obete trestných činov / Pomoc obetiam násilia

🗣️ What to say

"[Name], a citizen of Slovakia, 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

Consular line: Ministerstvo zahraničných vecí — konzulárna pomocGive name, date of birth, place of detention, what you know. Ask them to make contact.
LawyerA local lawyer, from the consulate's list or via legal aid. A lawyer from home can advise but usually cannot act there.
Do not pay "release fees"Calls asking the family for money to free someone are almost always scams. Verify through the consulate.
Money and messagesThe consulate can transfer funds from the family for essentials and pass letters.
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

Ministerstvo zahraničných vecí — konzulárna pomocHelp in emergencies abroad, 24/7In an emergency abroad📞 02 5978 5978 🔗 www.mzv.sk/cestovanie

Centrum právnej pomociFree legal aid for people in needWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 0650 105 100 🔗 www.centrumpravnejpomoci.sk

Intervenčné centrá pre obete trestných činov / Pomoc obetiam násiliaFree victim support, state compensationAfter any crime📞 0800 500 500 🔗 prevenciakriminality.sk/intervencne-centra

❓ 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

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