I need urgent help

There are limits to how and when the Australian Government can help. Read this information in conjunction with the Consular Services Charter.

If you’re a dual national, there may be limits to the level of assistance we can provide in the country of your other nationality.

Emergency consular assistance

If you’re in a life-threatening situation or need immediate assistance, contact the local emergency authorities. You can find local emergency numbers under ‘Local contacts’ in the travel advisory for your destination.

If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help, emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day. Call the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on:

• 1300 555 135 (within Australia)
• +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)

Do not contact the emergency centre with general enquires. Contact the Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for the destination you're in or contact us online instead. 

Emergency information

We've prepared the following pages with practical advice on what to do if you are in a crisis overseas.

• Demonstration
• Armed conflict
• Earthquake or tsunami
• Severe weather
• Terrorist situation
• Volcanic eruption
• Bushfire

We’ve prepared the following pages with practical advice for what to do if you’re a victim of a crime overseas.

• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Scams
• Robbed or mugged
• Piracy
• Kidnap

We’ve prepared the following pages with practical advice for what to do if something else has happened when you’re overseas.

• Arrested or jailed 
• Lost or damaged property
• Passport problems
• Medical assistance
• Money problems
• Someone has died
• Someone is missing