Guidance

Kidnappings or hostages abroad

If a British person is kidnapped abroad, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will try to do everything we can to make sure they are released safely.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 31 August 2022
• Last updated: 20 May 2024 — See all updates

If you are affected by a kidnap or hostage situation involving a British person abroad

To contact us urgently or in an emergency, phone:

• the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate or
• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. You’ll be put through to our 24/7 Consular team in our Consular Contact Centre

What the FCDO can do

The government of the country where the kidnapping or hostage situation occurred is normally responsible for leading the response to it. Where possible, the FCDO will work with them closely to make sure the person is released safely.

We will also:

• make sure a dedicated team, available 24/7, keeps families up-to-date with the situation as far as possible. In some cases, British police may appoint a family liaison officer. If this happens, our team will work closely with the local police force involved
• put families in touch with specialist agencies and organisations, such as our partner Hostage International, that can offer practical and emotional support
• offer media-handling advice and consult with employers, if needed
• meet a British hostage when released, if appropriate and possible, and help them make contact with their family
• help arrange a medical check-up and travel to the UK, if needed

What the FCDO cannot do

We will not make substantive concessions. This includes paying ransoms, changing UK government policy, or releasing prisoners if hostage-takers ask us to.

Feedback

We welcome your views on the support we provide, to help us to identify what we do well and what we could do better. Contact us using our feedback contact form.

Alternatively write to us:

Consular Feedback Team

Consular Directorate

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

King Charles Street

London SW1A 2AH

Telephone +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Disclaimer

Read the disclaimer relating to this guidance.

Published 31 August 2022
Last updated 20 May 2024 + show all updates

1. 20 May 2024

   'What the FCDO can do' section updated: media handling advice included.

2. 31 August 2022

   First published.