Receive emergency assistance for Germans abroad

Germans who find themselves in an emergency during their stay abroad can contact the nearest German diplomatic mission.

German diplomatic missions abroad are generally embassies or consulates general. For example, they can

• Issue you an emergency travel document for return to Germany in case of passport loss,
• arranging contact options with relatives or friends back home for you in the event of loss of money,
• Show you fast transfer methods,
  • for example Blitzgiro, telegraphic postal money transfer, Western Union Money Transfer or
  • in countries where these transfer channels are not available, a transfer via the diplomatic mission,
• Arrange legal or medical assistance as well as interpretation or translation services for you,
• In the event of an arrest, arrange legal representation for you upon request and notify your relatives,
• ensure that you, as a next of kin, are informed of the death of a German citizen abroad, and connect you with local funeral homes to handle the formalities,
• Helping you with missing person cases, for example by involving the local police and supporting you in discussions with local authorities,
• provide assistance in the event of the tour operator's insolvency,
• assist in crisis situations and evacuations.

German diplomatic missions can assist you if other help is not possible. In this case, you have far-reaching obligations to cooperate and present your case. The principle of "help for self-help" applies. Financial assistance provided constitutes a social benefit that is subject to fees and must be repaid.

Contact the nearest German diplomatic mission.

• If you have lost your passport, you must visit the diplomatic mission in person.
• In emergencies, how you get in touch depends on the situation.
• Depending on the issue and the emergency situation, it is possible that
  • whether there is a specific form to fill out or if an informal request is sufficient,
  • written form is required (e.g., a signed application),
  • You must appear in person.

There is no deadline, but assistance cannot be provided for past events.

Consular services are subject to fees. The fees are generally based on the amount of work involved. Hourly rates in the two- to three-digit euro range should be expected. Please check with the diplomatic mission regarding any costs that may arise.

• lawsuit before the administrative court