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28/06/2012
'Don't Get Locked Up On Holiday' - FCO
The holiday season is upon us and thousands of UK people are looking forward to escaping the floods for a week or two.
But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned tourists not to get locked up abroad and said although it will help when it can, a UK passport is not a get out of jail free card.
New figures reveal that the number of British nationals arrested overseas has risen by 6% in the past year, with UK consulates and embassies around the world spending 35% of their time handling arrest cases.
Spain and the USA show the highest rates of British arrests, with many incidents alcohol-fuelled or drugs-related.
Police in Mallorca and Ibiza have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled disorder offences.
And several high-profile cases recently have seen British people in court for falling foul of Abu Dhabi's strict decency laws.
Minister of State for Consular Affairs, Jeremy Browne, said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. Having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
Holidaymakers should research the laws and customs of their destination by checking the FCO site in advance.
(NE)
But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned tourists not to get locked up abroad and said although it will help when it can, a UK passport is not a get out of jail free card.
New figures reveal that the number of British nationals arrested overseas has risen by 6% in the past year, with UK consulates and embassies around the world spending 35% of their time handling arrest cases.
Spain and the USA show the highest rates of British arrests, with many incidents alcohol-fuelled or drugs-related.
Police in Mallorca and Ibiza have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled disorder offences.
And several high-profile cases recently have seen British people in court for falling foul of Abu Dhabi's strict decency laws.
Minister of State for Consular Affairs, Jeremy Browne, said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. Having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
Holidaymakers should research the laws and customs of their destination by checking the FCO site in advance.
(NE)
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FCO Advise Against 'All But Essential' Tunisia Travel
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
