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Assistance to American Victims of Crime

Victims of Crime in the UK

If you are the victim of a crime in the United Kingdom, we are prepared to assist you.  

What we can do:

  • Help you replace a lost/stolen passport;
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are injured;
  • Assist you with emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime, such as finding shelter, food, or clothing;
  • Help you contact your family, friends, or employer, if you wish;
  • Explain how and where you can report the crime to local law enforcement officials;
  • Provide you with general information about the criminal justice process in the United Kingdom;
  • Provide you with information about resources for crime victims in the United Kingdom;
  • Provide you with a list of attorneys practicing in the United Kingdom;
  • Provide you with information about crime victim assistance resources in your state of residence, if you are returning to the United States. 

What we cannot do:

  • Provide legal advice or represent you in court;
  • Pay legal fees or other expenses for you; 
  • Request preferential treatment for U.S. citizens during legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Being the victim of a crime in a foreign country can be a devastating and traumatic experience.  While no one can undo the emotional trauma, physical injury, or financial loss you may have experienced, the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate in Edinburgh or Consulate General in Belfast is ready to help.  We are very concerned about violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in the United Kingdom.  We will assist you in managing the practical consequences of being a crime victim and provide you with information about accessing the local criminal justice system, as well as other resources for crime victims abroad and the United States.  We can assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family or friends on your behalf, and explain how funds can be transferred.  We can also help you to better understand the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom.

The information included in the following guide relating to the legal requirements in the United Kingdom is provided for general information purposes only.  The information may not always be authoritative or relevant to a particular case.  Questions involving interpretation of British laws should be addressed to legal counsel licensed to practice law in the United Kingdom. The investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities.  The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may be able to assist local authorities in certain cases of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and terrorism.  

For more details please see Information for American Victims of Crime in the United Kingdom (PDF - 270Kb).

Residents of England & Wales

  • You can reach us by telephone at 011-44-20-7499-9000 from the United States, or at 020-7499-9000 from within the United Kingdom, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  You can reach us by email at scslondon@state.gov, or write to us at:

    American Citizen Services
    U.S. Embassy
    55/56 Upper Brook Street
    London, W1A 2LQ

    If you return to the United States and need assistance in locating victim services in your community, please contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Consular Affairs Bureau, U.S. State Department, 2201 C Street, NW (SA-29, 4th Floor) Washington, D.C. 20520; telephone 1-800-407-4747.

Residents of Scotland

  • You can reach us by telephone at 011-44-131-556-8315 from the United States, or 0131-556-8315 during work hours.  In an out of hours emergency, you should call the Embassy in London on (44) (0)207 499 9000 and speak to the Duty Officer.

    You can also reach us by email at edinburgh-info@state.gov or write to us at:

    U.S. Consulate Edinburgh
    3, Regent Street
    Edinburgh, EH7 5BW


    If you return to the United States and need assistance in locating victim services in your community, please contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Consular Affairs Bureau, U.S. State Department, 2201 C Street, NW (SA-29, 4th Floor) Washington, D.C. 20520; telephone 1-800-407-4747.

Residents of N. Ireland


  • You can reach us by telephone at 011-44-28-9038-6104 from the United States, or 028-9038-6104 during work hours (8:30 am through 5:00 pm).  In an out of hours emergency, you should call the Duty Officer at (44) (0)7545-507738.

    You can also reach us by email at consularbelfast@state.gov or write to us at:
             

    U.S. Consulate General Belfast
    Danesfort House
    223 Stranmillis Road
    Belfast BT9 5GR

    If you return to the United States and need assistance in locating victim services in your community, please contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Consular Affairs Bureau, U.S. State Department, 2201 C Street, NW (SA-29, 4th Floor) Washington, D.C. 20520; telephone 1-800-407-4747.