Embassies and Consular Support
Find official embassy contacts and understand where to turn for help in the UK or abroad. This page covers foreign embassies in the UK and British consular services overseas.
Illustrative AI-generated image — not a real embassy.
Need urgent help?
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services in the country they are in. For urgent British consular help abroad, call the nearest British embassy or the FCDO on +44 20 7008 5000, available 24/7. Choose consular services for British nationals.
Sixpence Support UK is not an emergency or consular service.
Find a foreign embassy in the UK
If you are a foreign national in the UK, your country’s embassy, high commission or consulate is the place to check which passport, document or consular services it offers. Services, eligibility, appointments and fees vary. Start with the official directory, then follow the relevant mission’s own website.
The directory includes embassies and high commissions in London, and information about consular offices elsewhere in the UK. Some lists are downloadable documents.
Find British help abroad
British nationals overseas can find their nearest embassy, high commission or consulate using the official directory. Check its service arrangements before visiting.
What is the difference?
An embassy represents one country in another. A high commission is the equivalent between Commonwealth countries. A consulate focuses on consular services. Not every office offers every service, and an appointment may be needed.
What British consular staff may help with
Depending on circumstances: an emergency travel document, contact after arrest, information following a death, or signposting after crime or hospitalisation. They can supply local lawyer details, but cannot give legal advice. Help depends on individual circumstances and local conditions.
What British consular staff cannot do
They cannot pay bills, secure release from prison, override local laws or act as your lawyer. Consular help does not replace travel insurance. Some services have fees.
Lost or unusable British passport abroad
An emergency travel document may be available if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your UK passport. It is different from a replacement passport. Check the current eligibility, cost and application steps.
Before travelling
Use the country-specific GOV.UK travel advice to check entry requirements, safety, health risks and local laws. You can sign up for updates. Check your passport and insurance, and keep important contact details accessible.
Before contacting or visiting an embassy
Check the correct office for your nationality, location and enquiry. Read its official website for appointments, opening times, accessibility, documents and fees. Explain any communication or access needs when booking. Only provide personal documents through the office’s confirmed official channels.
If you have more than one nationality
British support may be limited in the country of your other nationality. Check the FCDO’s guidance for your circumstances.
About this page
Sixpence Support UK provides free information and signposting. We do not issue passports, arrange visas or provide consular services. Official services may charge fees. Check the linked government or embassy website for current arrangements.
Sources checked: 21 October 2026.