I am in trouble abroad — when and how do I call consular help?
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 Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí — konzulární pomoc (224 182 425). 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; Kancelář ombudsmana České asociace pojišťoven / ČOI (ADR) (246 090 090) if it refuses.
🗣️ What to say
"I am a citizen of Czechia 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
- Danger now: 112Or the local number; the operator connects you to the right service in English in most places.
- Consular line: Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí — konzulární pomocThey know the local hospitals, police procedures and lawyers, and can contact your family.
- Insurance assistance lineOn your policy card; they arrange and pay for medical care and repatriation. Call them early, not after.
- DocumentsLost passport: see that page. Keep a photo of your documents in your phone and with someone at home.
- Crisis or disasterRegister with your foreign ministry's travel-registration service so they can reach you; follow their travel advice.
📇 All contacts
❓ 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
- Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí — konzulární pomoc →
- Kancelář ombudsmana České asociace pojišťoven / ČOI (ADR) →
- Bílý kruh bezpečí — 116 006 / Probační a mediační služba →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “consular help abroad Czechia”
- “emergency abroad who to call”
- “travel emergency embassy help”
- “victim of crime abroad help”
- “death abroad what to do”
🧭 Is this still correct?
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