Miscellaneous Services

Arrests

When the Consular Section is advised that an American has been arrested, a consular officer visits the American as soon as possible, provides information regarding the foreign legal system and a list of attorneys, and offers other assistance such as contacting family or friends on the prisoner’s behalf. The Consular Section helps with transferring private funds for delivery to American prisoners. When a prisoner’s health or life is endangered by inadequate diet or medical care provided by the local prison, the Consular Section may arrange dietary food supplements and/or medical care through a U.S. Government loan authorized under the Emergency Medical and Dietary Assistance Program. Although consular officers can provide informative and supportive assistance, they cannot "spring" an American from detention, serve as the prisoner’s legal representative, take "custody" of an American citizen, or intervene in the foreign judicial process. Nor can they give legal advice or get better treatment for you than is given to local nationals.