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Travel and transport

Dual nationality

The British Consul exists to protect the interests of British nationals abroad. Some British citizens have dual nationality, meaning they are also nationals of another country. Being a dual national can affect the level of consular help you receive.

Help from the British Consul

If you are a dual national and are in the country of your other nationality, the British Consul cannot formally help you, though it will aim to do what it can to help informally.

The British Consul cannot:

  • start or intervene in court proceedings for you
  • get you out of prison
  • give you legal advice
  • get better standards of treatment for you than those provided by the authorities to local people, for example, in hospitals or prisons
  • investigate a crime
  • pay any bills for you (including medical and legal aid)
  • pay for travel tickets, unless special circumstances apply
  • get residence or work permits
  • sort out accommodation for you
  • act as a travel agent, airline, bank or motoring organisation

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