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.

How to reach us

Calls are taken Monday to Friday between 08.00 to 12.00 hours local time (see contact details on right side of page).

In case of genuine emergency only (if unable to get through to Consular Section after 12.00 on 03-510-0166):

Between 12.00 to 15.30 Monday - Thursday, and 12.00 to 13.00 Friday, please call the Embassy switchboard on 03-725-1222.

After office hours please call 03-510-0166 or 03-725-1222.  You will then be provided with a Duty Office number where someone will assist you.  Please note these numbers are not for general use and cannot provide assistance with passport or visa enquiries.

Prison conditions

We can provide general information about prison conditions and the local legal system in Israel.

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.