Robbery, theft or assault
For travellers who have been robbed, had belongings stolen or been attacked abroad. It covers staying safe, getting medical help, reporting to police, and the help your own government and insurer can give.
Get to safety first
Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, hand over what they ask for and do not resist, because resisting can lead to violence. Do not confront or chase a thief: your safety matters more than your belongings. If you are hurt or in danger, call the local emergency number straight away.
Get checked by a doctor
If you are hurt, get medical care even if you feel fine. Ask your host or hotel staff for the nearest medical facility, and have photos taken of any injuries if you can. Take your travel insurance details, as you may have to pay upfront.
Report it to local police
Report the crime to the local police and ask for a written report. In most countries a crime must be reported before you leave if you want it investigated. If you cannot go at once, write down everything you remember about what happened and the person involved.
Block cards, report passport
Cancel stolen bank cards right away through your bank or its app, and warn anyone who shares the account. Report a stolen passport to your government straight away. If you need money urgently, your bank, family or friends can send it through a reliable transfer company.
Contact your embassy or consulate
Contact your own government's nearest embassy or consulate. Staff can usually explain how local police work, help you find a doctor, lawyer or interpreter, and help you contact family. They cannot investigate the crime, give legal advice, pay your bills or replace stolen items.
Tell your travel insurer
Contact your travel insurer as soon as you can. Keep the police report, medical reports and receipts for anything you have to replace or pay for, because a claim usually needs them.
After a sexual assault
If you were sexually assaulted, get to a safe place and get medical care as soon as you can, as some treatments to prevent HIV or pregnancy must start within 72 hours. If you can, avoid washing until police or medical staff advise. Contact your own government's embassy or consulate early: in some countries sex outside marriage is illegal, and staff can explain the risks of reporting.
Look after yourself afterwards
Let family or friends know you are safe. Feeling shaken after a crime is common, and talking to someone you trust or to a professional can help. Consular staff can point you to local support, and can tell you whether the country offers help to victims of crime.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Get help if you're a victim of crime abroad (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- New Zealand SafeTravel: You're a victim of crime (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Government of Canada: Physical assault abroad (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Government of Canada: Lost or stolen belongings abroad (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Government of Canada: Canadian Consular Services Charter (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- GOV.UK: Brazil travel advice, safety and security (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Government of Canada: Sexual assault abroad (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- GOV.UK: Victim of rape and sexual assault abroad (checked 4 Nov 2026)