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19 July 2012

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: British Behaviour Abroad Report 2012

On 19 July, 2012 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) published the 2012 British Behaviour Abroad Report covering the period April 2011 to March 2012 [1].

During this period, the FCO handled 19,874 cases requiring Consular assistance, a three per cent increase on the previous year [2].  Arrests involving British nationals totalled 6,015 compared to 5,700 during the same period 2010 to 2011. The highest number of arrests overall were in Spain (1,909 compared to 1745) and the USA (1,305 compared to 1,272).  Many arrests were alcohol related and over half of those arrested were under 34 years of age [2].

Drug arrests increased by two per cent compared to those reported for the previous year (816 compared to 799); the US detained the most British nationals for drug offences (147), followed by Spain (141) and Jamaica (65) [2].

Globally, there was a ten per cent increase in rape cases who sought Consular assistance (127 compared to 115); overall the number of sexual assaults reported to Consular staff was less than the previous year (154 compared to 163) [2].

Proportionately, most British nationals who required hospital admission were hospitalised in Greece, Thailand and the Philippines.  A large increase (132%) in hospitalisations of British nationals visiting Majorca or Ibiza is reported over the last two years; causes include road traffic accident, balcony falls and heart attack [2].

The full report can be accessed here: British Behaviour Abroad Report 2012.

Advice for travellers

Travellers are encouraged to research the laws and customs of the country they’re visiting by checking out FCO travel advice in advance:

 

  • For information on local laws and safety advice at your destination. access the FCO website and the Know Before You Go campaign before travel.

  • Do not take or carry illegal drugs, there can be severe penalties in some countries. The FCO cannot get Britons out of jail.

  • Take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling and make sure it includes any pre-existing medical conditions.

 

Follow the FCO and NaTHNaC on Twitter for regular travel advice updates

References

1. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. British Behaviour Abroad Report 2012 [Accessed 19 July 2012], Available at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/travel-living-abroad/21151574/british-behaviour-abroad-2012

2. Foreign and Commonwealth Office.10 Brits hospitalised abroad every day according to Foreign Office figures 19 July, 2012 Available at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=790045282

 

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