Consular Services in France

English-speaking officials who can help

NB: This information is intended primarily for British residents. American visitors should contact the American consular staff (see below).

Your Consulate can provide invaluable help in many circumstances. In emergency situations (e.g. accident, serious illness, crime or death) the Consulates General provide a 24-hr service.

If you get into difficulties they can:

• contact relatives and friends

• advise on transferring funds

• help contact lawyers, doctors and interpreters

• in emergencies advance money against a cheque (with guarantee card)

• as a last resort, make a loan repayable upon your return to the UK (note: they don't have to - you must convince them that there is no-one else to help).

However, they cannot:

• give legal advice

• pay medical, hotel, legal or travel costs

• influence the judicial system on your behalf.

British Consulate in Paris - http://www.amb-grandebretagne.fr

American Embassy in Paris - http://www.amb-usa.fr/