British nationals in detention or prison overseas

If a relative or friend has been detained or held in prison overseas, this is the support we can give.

If your relative or friend has asked us to, we will tell you as soon as we can, that they have been detained or held in prison. However, to protect their confidentiality, we will not provide any details of the detention or arrest, or tell you how to contact them, unless they have given us permission.

Prison conditions

We can provide general information about the country involved, prison conditions and the local legal system.

We can put you in touch with the prisoners’ welfare charity, Prisoners Abroad.

If the prison where your friend or relative is being detained agrees, we can pass on any money you want to send to buy prison ‘comforts’, use the phone and so on.

In many countries, mail sent or received by the prisoner will be opened and read by the authorities, and phone conversations may be monitored.

After you are arrested, you may be taken into custody in a Garda station.

You must be informed immediately:

• why you have been arrested (i.e., the offence)
• that you are entitled to consult a solicitor and
• that you are entitled to notify another person that you are in custody and

If you are under 18 years of age, you must be informed that your parent or guardian is being informed and requested to attend at the station.  Request that the British Embassy be notified of your arrest - it is your right.

Consular staff at the Embassy are here to support you and take an interest in your welfare.  We can contact you in prison or visit you, provide information about the local legal system, provide a list of local solicitors and tell your family and friends, if you want us to, that you have been arrested. 

You may contact the Consular section on 01 2053816.