Guidance

Information for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Mauritius

Updated 1 October 2025

1. Disclaimer 

This information is not meant to be definitive and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Neither His Majesty’s Government nor its staff take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information, nor accept liability for any loss, costs, damage, or expense that you might suffer as a result of relying on the information. The information contained in this guide is general and factual. You should contact local lawyers for independent legal advice. 

2. Introduction 

2.1 Who can help?  

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is represented overseas by its Embassies and Consulates (High Commissions in Commonwealth countries). All employ consular officers, and one of their duties is to provide help and advice to British Nationals who get into difficulty in a foreign country. 

3. About the Consular Section of the British High Commission, Mauritius 

We are impartial; we are not here to judge you. We aim to make sure that you are treated properly and fairly in accordance with local regulations, and that you are treated no less favourably than other prisoners. 

We can answer questions about your welfare and about prison regulations, but you must ask your lawyer or the court about legal matters. A list of lawyers is provided by the British High Commission for your convenience, but neither His Majesty’s Government, nor any official of the British High Commission, take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/advocate on the list or for the consequence of any legal action initiated or advice given. 

See our list of local lawyers in Mauritius.  

We cannot get you out of prison, pay fines or stand bail or interfere with local judicial procedures to get you out of prison nor secure you an earlier trial date; we cannot investigate a crime. 

We have tried to make sure that the information provided here is accurate and up to date, but the British High Commission cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. If in doubt, please contact a lawyer. 

3.1 Who are the Consular Representatives?  

The British High Commission, Port Louis is your representative in Mauritius. 

Contact information: 

British High Commission 
Sir Hesketh Bell Street
Floreal
Mauritius

Telephone	+230 660 4900 (press option 2 for assistance)
Contact form	Link to our contact form

Website              https://www.gov.uk/government/world/mauritius

4. First steps 

4.1 Who will know I have been detained?

When a British citizen is arrested and detained in Mauritius, the Mauritian authorities should inform the British High Commission upon the prisoner’s formal request, and it is their right to have this notification done by the authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will officially inform our Consular Department about the arrest but this may take some time. 

4.2 What will my family be told?

For reasons of confidentiality, we are not permitted to tell anyone, even your family that you have been detained or what the charges are without your permission. If you want us to inform your family, or anyone else, you should then give us your consent for us to do so. We can also occasionally pass on messages to your family and friends if you want us to do so, but we may not guarantee this service when asked. Please note that facilities now exist at the prisons for detainees to contact their family directly either by phone or Microsoft Teams. 

4.3 What will the Consulate do?

While you are being detained, held for questioning or pending trial, a member of Consular staff will aim to contact you within 24 hours of learning of your arrest. If you would like to request us to visit, we will need to seek permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before a visit can be arranged. This process may take between 2 weeks to a month. During our in-person meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our consular staff. 

We will bring you a prisoner’s pack and a list of lawyers should you need to contact one. We cannot give any legal advice, nor can we pay for your legal fees, costs or fines from the court, or any of your purchases in the prison. You will have the opportunity to sign up with Prisoners Abroad which is a UK based non-profit organisation who assist British nationals detained overseas.

At each consular visit, our staff will complete a report of the visit. If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a next of kin, you should let us know during the visit so that we can make it clear when we write our report what should and should not be disclosed to family and friends. 

If appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if we think you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards.

4.4 Would I have a criminal record in the UK?  

You should be aware that if you have been convicted for certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to inform the UK police. 

It is therefore possible that information about this offence may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. 

4.5 What happens to my personal belongings?

Your personal belongings will be securely stored by the police and returned upon transfer to the UK or release unless forfeited by order of a Court of law.

5. Detention conditions in Mauritius 

How do my family and friends arrange a visit?

A request must be sent to the British High Commission who will forward the request to the authorities concerned i.e. Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner of Police will refer the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) who will in turn seek clearance with the competent authorities. 

When sending the request to visit, family should send along photocopies of the following documents: 

• proof of relationship to the detainee (birth certificate)

• proof of identity for the person wishing to visit (normally data page of passport)

• copy of Certificate of Character of Origin

• proof of address abroad

Family and friends must not purchase their flight tickets prior to contacting the British High Commission.

It is a lengthy procedure to receive approval and police clearance for foreigners wishing to visit British nationals detained in Mauritius. It may take approximately 2-3 months.

5.1 How many in-person visits am I allowed?

As at date, for detainees on remand and convicted prisoners, your visitors are allowed twice per month in-person visits. If you are on remand, your visitors are allowed 2 visits per month of 15 minutes each. If you are a convicted prisoner, your visitors are allowed 2 visits per month of 30 minutes each. 

For family residing abroad, frequency of visits can be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the amount of time the family member is staying in the country and depending upon the circumstances. All visits will take place behind glass, and you can communicate through phones. There may be other detainees seeing their visitors alongside you. If parents are visiting and request a contact visit, they should send their request well in advance of their arrival in the country (at least 2-3 months before). Clearance and approval must be received from the Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Prisons.

5.2 Consular visits

Consular visits are allowed although we need to seek permission to visit from the MFA. This process can take up to a month before it is approved. We aim to visit 2 times in a year or more often if there are exception circumstances.

5.3 Consular Assistance

The Consular Team is here to support you. Our assistance includes:

• conducting consular visits
• raising serious medical concerns with local authorities (with your consent)
• supporting your prison transfer process back to the UK

5.4 Important Update on Item Deliveries

Please note that, as of December 2024 and in line with our updated policy, consular officers can no longer accept funds from UK families to purchase authorised items for detainees. Instead, families are encouraged to send items directly via parcels.

Further details can be found under the Mail/Parcels section.

6. Items Allowed:

6.1 Accepted Items in Men’s Prison  

Item	Frequency / Remarks
Handkerchief	Two per month
Disposable Razor (Single Blade)	Two per month
Underwear	Two per month
Sponge Sandal (not more than 15mm thickness)	One pair every three months
Dry Cells for pocket radio only	Pack of 4 monthly
Comb	One unit every six months
Books or Magazines (with no spiral)	Two per month
Training Shoes (preferably without laces)	On application (to be in possession of only one pair)
Leather Shoes	On application ( to be kept at the Reception Office in property)
Short / Athletic Vest (only white in colour)
Black jumper allowed in winter only	One per month
Ankle Socks	One pair every three months
Earphone (without speaker & no headphone)	One every six months
Pocket Radio (without digital clock and without USB socket)	One every six months
Writing Materials (writing pad – no spiral; A4 sized sketch pad; blue ink transparent ballpoint pen; pencil; eraser)	On application (Monthly one unit each)
Coloured Pencil	One set monthly
Envelope and stamps	On application (As and when required)
Mosquito Repellent Cream - tube or plastic container	One unit every two weeks   100/200 ml
Toothpaste	Up to 150 ml One unit monthly
Toothbrush	One unit monthly
Toilet Soap (Solid)	Two units monthly (100/150 g)

6.2 Accepted Items in Women’s Prison

S/No.	Item	Frequency / Remarks
1.	Handkerchief	Two per month
2.	Disposable Razor (Single Blade)	Two per month
3.	Underwear	Two per month
4.	Sponge Sandal (not more than 15mm thickness)	One pair every three months
5.	Dry Cells for pocket radio only	Pack of 4 monthly
6.	Comb	One unit every six months
7.	Books or Magazines (no spiral)	Two per month (to keep only two in possession)
8.	Training Shoes (preferably without laces)	On application to be in possession of only one pair
9.	Leather Shoes or sandals	On application to be kept at the Reception Office in property
10.	Athletic Vest (white in colour) Black jumper and black leggings are allowed in winter only	One per month
11.	Ankle socks	One pair very three months
12.	Earphone (without speaker & no headphone)	One every six months
13.	Pocket Radio (without digital clock and without USB socket)	One every six months
14.	Writing Materials (writing pad – no spiral; A4 sized sketch pad; transparent ballpoint pen; pencil; eraser)	On application (monthly, one unit each)
15.	Coloured Pencil	One set monthly
16.	Envelope and stamps	On application as and when required
17.	Mosquito Repellent Cream tube or plastic container	One unit every two weeks 100/200 ml
18.	Toothpaste	Up to 150 ml One unit monthly
19.	Toothbrush	One unit monthly
20.	Toilet Soap (Solid)	Two units monthly (100/150 g)
21.	Elastic Hair Band	One unit monthly
22.	Hygienic Pads (sealed pack)	One pack monthly
23.	Toilet Paper	One Roll monthly
24.	Roll On / Body Lotion / Hair Oil in plastic container (Only allowed during in-person visits. These items cannot be sent in parcel from overseas)	One unit monthly

	BABIES
1.	Baby Lotion in plastic container	As and when required (only allowed during visits)
2.	Wipes
3.	Nappies
4.	Baby toilet soap / Cream
5.	Baby Clothing	Allowed in parcel

7. The Mauritian Judicial System 

7.1 Overview and first steps 

The Judiciary of Mauritius is responsible for the administration of justice in Mauritius and has as mission to maintain an independent and competent judicial system, which upholds the rule of law, safeguards the rights and freedom of the individual and commands domestic and international confidence. The Constitution provides for the institution of an independent judiciary, which is based on the concept of separation of powers. Mauritius has a single-structured judicial system consisting of 2 parts, the Supreme Court and the Subordinate Courts.

The Subordinate Courts consist of:  

• intermediate court
• industrial court
• district courts
• bail and remand court

The Chief Justice is head of the judiciary. The Constitution of Mauritius is the supreme legal document of the country. The final appeal from decisions of the Court of Appeal of Mauritius to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London as provided for under the Constitution of Mauritius. 

The Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice, the Senior Puisne Judge and such number of Puisne Judges as may be prescribed by Parliament.

The British High Commission cannot interfere with the Mauritian Judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged quickly or ask the authorities to treat you more favourably than others. 

7.2 Is the system the same as the UK?

Laws governing the Mauritian penal system are derived partly from French civil law and British common law. The Constitution of Mauritius states that for purposes of separation of powers, the judiciary is independent. 

The trials are fair, and the legal system is generally non-discriminatory and transparent. 

7.3 What should happen when I am arrested?

You will be taken to a police station to be questioned and to give a statement to the police. It should be in English. You may ask for a lawyer to be present. You can request for a list of lawyers from the police. You may also ask the police to contact the Consular team at the British High Commission for a list of lawyers. You will of course have to pay for the lawyer you have appointed. If the police decide to detain you, then you should be presented before a court within 24 hours. You can be detained in a police cell for up to 21 days, depending on the investigation.

After questioning, the police will decide whether to issue you with a Provisional Charge and you will be taken before a court for the Provisional charge to be held. The Magistrate (if it is at a District court) or judge will decide on the way forward. 

If you are released on bail, it is likely that the judge will place an ‘Objection to Departure’, which will prevent you from leaving the country. It is possible to apply to the court for permission to leave the country, but this is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. It has been known for ‘Objections to Departure’ to be placed without the person being provisionally charged. 

If you are not released on bail, you will either be returned to a police cell or transferred to prison on remand. Once you are transferred to a prison, the Induction Unit will help you for the first 72 hours to give you the necessary information. A panel of officers will welcome you and help you adapt to the environment. You will receive psycho-social support to help you cope with the situation.

7.4 For how long can I be remanded in custody on a Provisional Charge?  

It depends on the court proceedings until the judgment of the court has been pronounced. 

7.5 What provision is there for bail?

Provision for bail exists. Your lawyer must apply for bail and the court will decide whether bail can be granted if there is no police objection. For some offences, bail will not be granted if it is deemed likely that the accused will flee or commit the same offence before trial. 

The cost of bail varies depending on the seriousness of the offence. Bail money will be returned at the end of the trial, if all court appearances are made, regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of the crime of which he is accused. 

7.6 What happens when I am issued with a full charge?

The Mauritian legal system is such that it may take some time before you are formally charged. The police will carry out inquiries and investigations and this can be a long process. When there is enough evidence to open a prosecution, the investigation stage is closed, and the case is referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). If the DPP finds there is enough evidence, a formal charge is issued. The case is then sent for trial by court. 

8. Trial and legal assistance 

8.1 What happens at the trial?

On the day of the trial, if you are still in detention, you will be taken by the police to the court where your case is being handled. There will be a judge in charge of your case along with the public prosecutor and your lawyer. Court hearings in Mauritius are normally carried out in English. Only in exceptional cases can a consular officer be present at the court hearing.

8.2 What kind of legal assistance is available while I am in police custody and prison?

Legal assistance is not provided by the British High Commission. If you cannot afford a private lawyer at your own expense whilst in police custody, you may not receive legal advice. You can however try to request that the court appoint a lawyer for you. This request must be made while you are in court and will be considered according to the local legal process. 

A list of local lawyers is available from the British High Commission or can be provided by a consular officer upon request. To find out more about the local lawyer fees, please contact the lawyers directly. Lawyers’ fees for foreigners may be quite expensive. It is therefore recommended that detainees request legal quote prior to appointing a private lawyer.

Legal assistance in Mauritius is different to that of the UK. Once transferred to a remand prison, you may be able to make a request for legal aid which is only applicable for:

• a bail motion
• trial and sentencing at the Supreme Court
• and an appeal after your sentence

Please speak with the prison welfare staff who will assist with the process.

Please note that the British High Commission cannot pay for legal services on your behalf. The British High Commission will not appoint a lawyer for you and shall never send a lawyer to visit you in police cell and prison. Detainees and their families should take necessary cautions against potential scammers.

9. Sentences

Sentences vary depending on the seriousness of the crime. For drug related offences, the sentence can be very harsh and up to 45 years in prison. Time spent on remand and in police cell are deducted from initial sentence. It can take years before you are sentenced, and this is relative to a case-to-case basis.

9.1 How can appeals be made?

If prisoners want to make an appeal, a request must be made in court during sentencing day or within 21 days of the judgment being pronounced. Depending on the case and on the sentence, an appeal can be made through your lawyer to the Supreme Court. In order to appeal a criminal conviction and/or sentence, an accused will have to retain the services of both an attorney at law and a barrister at law. here are security for costs, administrative costs, legal fees and legal costs which will arise to prosecute the appeal and same will have to be borne by the accused.  

10. Reaching the end of your sentence 

10.1 What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour?

There is no remission for drug related cases, murder and child abuse cases. For more information, please speak with the prison welfare staff.

10.2 What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole?

Provision exists for release on parole or release on bail after a bail motion has been presented and accepted by the court. Certain conditions will apply, such as reporting to the police every day. For more information on parole, please speak with the prison welfare staff. If a case does not qualify for statutory remission, parole will not be available.

10.3 What provision is there for clemency or pardon?

Pardon or Clemency can only be considered by Presidential grace, and this is not something that is done often. Cases where sentences do not attract remission can apply only for Presidential grace. Those whose sentence attracts remission can apply both to the Parole board and for Presidential grace. 

10.4 What about payment of fines and costs?

Financial penalties should be paid prior to the end of sentence or prison transfer back to the UK.

10.5 Is transfer to another prison within Mauritius possible?

Yes, it is possible, and it depends on the Commissioner of Prisons.

10.6 Is transfer to the UK a possibility?

There is a Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Mauritius and the UK. Prisoner Transfer Agreements allow prisoners to transfer to serve the remainder of their sentence in their own country. This enables them to be closer to family and friends. 

The prisoner should inform the High Commission of their intention to apply for transfer 6 months prior to their transfer eligibility date, and we will take the application forward. Please note that the transfer process may take time, and that prisoner must have served one third of his sentence in Mauritius before the transfer to the UK. Time spent on remand starting from the date of arrest, is included in the calculation of one third of a sentence. The UK and the country in which the British prisoner is held have the right to refuse a request as this is not an automatic right. 

10.7 What are the procedures for release and deportation?

• the prisoner must have served (1/3) one-third of the sentence before the transfer can be effective
• the prisoner must not be a witness in a case
• the prisoner has no other criminal proceedings pending or no outstanding fines
• the offence must constitute a criminal offence in the UK
• the prisoner must have police clearance as well as clearance from the Director of Public Prosecution

11. Prison conditions/services 

11.1 Arrival at prison

On arrival at the prison, the Induction Unit of the prison, consisting of a panel of prison officers, including welfare officers, will be there to help you mainly for the first 72 hours. You will be given the relevant information to help you adapt to your new environment. You will normally have no direct access to phones. It is essential that you ask the prison welfare officers to inform the British High Commission at their earliest convenience. It is your right to do so. 

When a British citizen is detained, the relevant authorities (in this case the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) must inform us. It can take some time before we are officially informed by the authorities. It is therefore important to inform us through the prison welfare officers. With your permission, we can then inform your family and inform them of the procedures in place to contact you. 

11.2 General prison conditions

Imprisonment is generally in small cells with a number of other detainees. Mauritius is one of the rare countries where time out of cell is from 6:15 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. Prison officials will normally speak English to British prisoners. Many other detainees can also speak English although most of them will speak in the local language (Creole). While in detention, detainees can have access to the prison library where English books are available. All prisons on the island are Human Rights standards compliant. Organisations within the civil Society and NGOs are widely involved in providing support to prisoners. The prison has both an internal and external inspectorate as well as complaint procedure. 

11.3 Can I work or study in prison?

Yes, convicted prisoners are allowed to work in prison. Remand prisoners may be allowed to work if available. They can also study for a recognised certificate from the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) for pre-vocational and vocational education and be approved by Mauritius Qualifications Authority (MQA). Subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Prisons, studies at Tertiary level can also be undertaken through distance learning if the family of the detainee is willing to pay for it. You should speak with your welfare officer if you are interested.

11.4 Can I receive medical and dental treatment?

Medical and dental treatment are available in all prisons. There are visiting specialists visiting the prison on a regular basis including dentists, psychiatrists and psychologists attached to the prison. If necessary, detainees may be admitted to public hospital. Prison will inform the British High Commission accordingly.

12. Food and diet

The prisons have a dietician to work out the menu. If required, for health reasons, a balanced diet is worked out for detainees. Prisoners are also allowed to buy additional foods at the canteen if you are able to work in prison. Do not expect to have the same quality of food as you would in the UK. You are not allowed to receive food from your family and the British High Commission.

13. Mail/ Parcels

Prisoners can receive and send mail. They are allowed to receive parcels if these are of a reasonable size provided, they do not contain unauthorized articles. Any contact with the outside world is likely to raise some security considerations and checks will be carried out before mail or parcels are delivered. It is important parcels and mail sent to prison should include the sender’s name.

A list of accepted items in prison for male and female detainees is outlined above.

To help reduce courier costs, families are encouraged to send authorised items sufficient for a 3-month period.

Detainees receive soap every 2 months, remand prison clothing and a towel in prison.

IMPORTANT: UK families are required to send parcels using one of the approved couriers listed below:

• DHL

• UPS

• Chronopost (Mauritius) Ltd

• FedEx

When parcels are received by the local authorities in Mauritius, customs and VAT fees may apply. Families would be able to make this payment directly with the courier via a link payment portal online or by visiting the courier branch in the UK. Families should contact the couriers above for more information on the payment process.

Please note that sending items must be done directly with one of the above-mentioned couriers and not with the UK post office.

Neither the British High Commission nor detainees would be able to pay the fees.

Families are expected to make the necessary arrangements and ensure payment for customs and VAT.

If items are sent using other means and the payment for customs and VAT fees cannot be completed, the parcel will remain with the authorities and destroyed at a later date.

If items are sent through one of the couriers above but the items are not listed on the authorised list, items will not be given to detainees. It will be kept in their personal belongings until their release and/or prison transfer to the UK.  

One of the addresses below should be used. If you are not sure about the prison’s name and location, please do get in touch with our Consular Team for more guidance.

Address of Prison:

[insert name of detainee] 

Beau Bassin Prison 

Subramanien Bharati Road 

Beau Bassin 

Mauritius 

OR

[insert name of detainee] 

Eastern High Security Prison

Melrose, 80701 

Mauritius 

OR

[insert name of detainee] 

Women Prison Beau Bassin 

Subramanien Bharati Road 

Beau Bassin 

Mauritius

14. Can I make telephone calls to my relatives and the High Commission?

Foreign prisoners are allowed video calls if their family lives abroad. 2 calls on Microsoft Teams of 15 minutes each are allowed per month. For phone facilities, prisoners should ask the Prison Welfare Officers for more information and guidance. Detainees wishing to contact the Consular Team at the British High Commission must submit their request through the designated welfare officers. Calls made to the Consular Team are free of charge.

15. How can UK families set up a Microsoft Teams call?

Families should contact the prison directly and make a request for calls. Microsoft Teams calls, and international calls are available to all detainees in prison.

Families should contact the Consular Department for more information on how to contact the prison services.

Please note that the waiting period to receive a response from the Prison Services regarding your call request via email may vary. The consular department will not be able to assist in escalating your call request due to local prison processes.

16. Who should I speak with to raise issues/concerns whilst in prison?

If you have any concerns or issues while in prison, it is important that you raise them directly with the Welfare Officer. The Welfare Officer is responsible for supporting your wellbeing and can assist with a wide range of matters, including personal, emotional, or practical difficulties you may be experiencing. Whether your concerns relate to health, family contact, safety, or general living conditions, the Welfare Officer is the appropriate point of contact to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. For any matters that require escalation, the welfare officers will contact the Consular Team.

17. Leisure and entertainment 

There is an association yard. Detainees are allowed exercise every day and volleyball and football matches are organised, as well as sports competitions. Detainees are engaged in constructive indoor and outdoor activities. There is a library and a reading room. TV is available and a pocket radio is allowed in cells. 

18. Drugs 

Drugs/ medication are available as prescribed, and medication and food supplements can be received in prison if the doctor in prison has approved and prescribed. Drug trafficking between inmates in prisons happens. If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs, you will be prosecuted accordingly.

19. How can I make a complaint about mistreatment? 

If you have been tortured or mistreated, please inform Consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you; to check on your welfare; discuss the allegations; and inform you of any local complaints’ procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. 

With your permission, and where appropriate, we may also be able to raise your allegations of torture and/or mistreatment with the authorities.

20. What happens if I overstay in Mauritius?

When the Passport and Immigration Office detects an overstay or illegal stay, the person will be arrested and transferred to detention or prison. The person will appear in court and a judgement will be given. A deportation may be actioned, and the detainee would need to pay for their return flight to the UK.

Please note that the British High Commission does not provide legal assistance and financial assistance. The detainee is required to pay and book a return flight to the UK with the help of their family. The detainee may have to pay a fine for an overstay.

The immigration officer and the prison welfare officer will be able to guide the detainee and their family through to the next steps. Flights details need to be communicated to the immigration officer two days prior so he can make arrangements with the court for the release of the detainee from the prison. An immigration officer will personally transport the detainee to the airport.

21. Medications

For detainees who were having treatment/receiving medication/prescriptions in the UK and need medications whilst they are detained in Mauritius, please advise your family to email the prison directly and send the documents below:

• a medical certificate for treatment followed in the UK
• prescriptions

All documents must state the names of the doctor, detainee and pharmacy.

For more information, please contact the Consular Department.

22. Additional information 

The prison authorities work with several NGOs who help in different ways with prisoners’ rehabilitation. Religious groups also work closely with the prison authorities. At the prison, there are places of worship for the 4 main religions present in the country i.e. Tamil, Hindu, Roman Catholic and Muslim.

There are 9 prisons in Mauritius: 

• eastern high security prison in Melrose
• Beau Bassin prison
• Richelieu open prison
• Phoenix prison
• Petit Verger prison
• grand riviere north west remand prison
• new wing prison
• women’s prison
• open prison for women

23. Prisoners Abroad 

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned overseas. It is the only UK charity providing this service and it is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or on remand. Prisoners Abroad is concerned with your health and welfare, both during your imprisonment and also on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family during your imprisonment. To access any services, prisoners must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form. 

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer will vary from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on: 

• your rights as a prisoner and issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• obtaining magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• writing to a pen pal
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translation of documents
• grants for essential medicines
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and assistance with the cost of visiting

Once registered with Prisoners Abroad (PA), the consular team will receive a small one-off fund to purchase basic essentials while you are in police cell. This is in line with our new policy effective from 26.05.2025

Items will be delivered in police cell or brought to you if you are transferred to prison.

Note: PA will send money for each detainee only once. It normally takes 1-2 weeks for post to receive the funds, to purchase and deliver the items. If you require other items, please contact your family to send items directly to prison through the approved courier services: DHL, UPS, Chronopost and FedEx as outlined previously.

Prisoners Abroad 

89 – 93 Fonthill Road 

London N4 3JH UK 

Telephone	00 44 (0)20 7561 6820
Freephone (for your relatives in the UK)	0808 172 0098

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk

Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk  

Available Mondays to Fridays 9.30am to 4.30pm, UK time. 

24. Furture Information:

• annex 1: List of English-speaking Lawyers
• annex 2: FCDO leaflet: In prison abroad
• annex 3: Prisoners Abroad authorisation form
• annex 4: Prisoners Abroad family contact form
• annex 5: Prisoners Abroad General Leaflet
• annex 6: Fair Trials International questionnaire and leaflets