British Indian Ocean Territory
Getting help
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
British Indian Ocean Territory is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration based in London provides assistance for British nationals.
Emergency services in British Indian Ocean Territory
If you are in a life-threatening situation, declare it as a maritime emergency. Authorities will consider all reasonable assistance. You can contact:
- British Indian Ocean Territory authorities in Diego Garcia by radio on 2.182MHz HF SSB or VHF
- British Indian Ocean Territory police station on +246 370 29 38
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim