When things go wrong
Any British national who gets into difficulty overseas can seek help from the nearest British diplomatic mission 24 hours a day. Where there is no British representative in a country, British nationals may instead contact the nearest EU Mission in that country.
To see where your nearest British diplomatic mission is in Italy, visit our Regional Network page.
The first thing you should do if anything goes wrong is to contact your relatives and friends at home. They can then take appropriate action within the UK. The same advice should be taken if a natural disaster occurs during your visit to a foreign country.
In most cases people only need advice, but in cases of real difficulty such as death abroad, serious accidents and illnesses, arrests and detentions or those at risk of physical harm, the Consul will take action. Information on forced marriage and child abduction is available on the FCO website.
We have information on Consular Services and what you may need to do yourself. The best policy is to get it right 'before you go'.
If you are a victim of crime
If you need a lawyer
If you are seriously ill or injured
Help if you are arrested or detained
Rape and sexual assault abroad
Useful Links
How we can help if things go wrong (on the FCO website)
Contact us
Opening times:
Consular affairs:
09:15 - 13:30 Mon to Fri*
Telephone services:
Consular and emergency matters:
Switchboard: 06 4220 0001
09:15 - 12:00 Mon to Fri*
Fax: 06 4220 2334
* except on public holidays
For all other services visit our page of direct phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses or view our regional network page.
