A Safe Trip Abroad - Travel Safety Tips for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

Most international trips are safe and trouble-free, but unexpected problems can happen. Travelers may lose important documents, need medical care, face legal trouble, become victims of crime, or require emergency help while overseas.

U.S. embassies and consulates assist American citizens around the world every day. Many issues can be handled by phone or by visiting the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In more serious situations, consular officers may help U.S. citizens in hospitals or prisons, or assist families after the death of a loved one abroad.

The travel safety tips below are based on guidance from the U.S. Department of State. Following them can help you prepare before departure, avoid common risks, and know what to do if something goes wrong during your trip.

Packing Tips

What to Take

• Pack with safety in mind. Avoid clothing, jewelry, and accessories that make you look like an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking items can attract unwanted attention.
• Travel light. Carrying less helps you move quickly, stay less tired, and keep better control of your bags. It also reduces the chance that you will set luggage down and leave it unattended.
• Carry only essential valuables. Leave extra cash, cards, and important documents in a hotel safe when possible. When you must carry valuables, separate them instead of keeping everything in one wallet or pouch.
• Keep valuables hard to reach. Avoid handbags, fanny packs, and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Use inside pockets, a crossbody bag, or a money belt worn under your clothing.
• Pack backup glasses and medications in your carry-on. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair. Keep prescription medicines and other essentials with you, not in checked luggage.
• Keep medications in original containers. Carry medicines in labeled packaging, along with copies of prescriptions and generic drug names. If a medication is unusual, restricted, or contains controlled substances, bring a doctor's letter and check the destination country's rules before traveling.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Bring only what you need for the day and use one or two major credit cards when possible.
• Make copies of important documents. Bring a photocopy of your passport information page and extra passport photos. These can make replacing a lost or stolen passport easier.
• Save credit card information separately. Keep a secure record of your card numbers and the phone numbers for the issuing banks so you can report lost or stolen cards quickly.
• Label your luggage. Put your name, phone number, and address inside and outside each bag. Use covered luggage tags to reduce casual viewing of your personal information.
• Plan how you will call for help. Before you leave, confirm that your phone plan, calling card, or communication app works in your destination. Save important numbers before you travel.

What to Leave Behind

• Leave irreplaceable items at home. Do not travel with valuable jewelry, family heirlooms, or sentimental items you cannot replace. Lost luggage, theft, and missed connections can happen, especially on trips with multiple flights or border crossings.
• Remove unnecessary cards and documents from your wallet. Leave behind your Social Security card, library card, extra credit cards, loyalty cards, birth certificate, and any other documents you do not need for the trip. One exception may be a marriage certificate if your name has changed but your passport has not. For help, see our passport name change guide.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust. Include your travel dates, destinations, hotel details, transportation plans, and any other contact information that could help family or friends reach you in an emergency.
• Make backup copies of key documents. Make two copies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license, and the credit cards you plan to carry. Leave one copy with family or friends at home, and pack the other separately from the originals. For more tips, read our guide on what to do with your new passport when it arrives.
• Keep payment backup information separate. If you use traveler's checks, leave the serial numbers with someone you trust and carry your own copy in a separate place. As you cash them, cross each one off the list.

What to Learn About Before You Go

Security

Before traveling abroad, review the U.S. Department of State's travel information for your destination. Each country page includes important details about entry and exit requirements, passport validity, visas, local laws, health conditions, crime, security concerns, transportation, natural disasters, and emergency contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The State Department also issues a Travel Advisory for every country. Travel Advisories use a four-level system to help U.S. citizens understand the level of risk: exercise normal precautions, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel, or do not travel. These advisories may also identify specific risks such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns, natural disasters, or other security issues.

Travel Advisories are not meant to plan your trip for you. They are designed to give you current safety and security information so you can make informed decisions, prepare for possible risks, and know where to get help if something goes wrong overseas. You can access Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts 24-hours a day in several ways.

• Online: The best place to find official U.S. travel and consular information is Travel.State.Gov. Use it to review Travel Advisories, entry and exit requirements, visa information, passport services, safety updates, and emergency help for U.S. citizens abroad.
• Telephone: For help with an emergency overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you cannot reach them, call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 from the United States or Canada, or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.
• In person: You can get official travel information and emergency assistance at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Current Travel Advisories and destination information are also available through the Department of State's website before you travel.

Local Laws and Customs

When you travel outside the United States, you must follow the laws of the country you are visiting. Before you go, learn about local laws, customs, entry rules, and safety conditions in each destination on your itinerary.

Good sources include the U.S. Department of State's country information pages, the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, official tourism websites, reputable travel guides, and current news reports. Knowing the rules before you arrive can help you avoid legal problems, fines, delays, or misunderstandings while abroad.

Things to Arrange Before You Go

Your Passport

You need a valid U.S. passport to travel internationally. Before you book or leave for your trip, check that your passport is not expired and has enough remaining validity for your destination.

If you do not have a passport, need to renew an expired passport, or your passport does not meet your destination's passport validity requirements, start the process as soon as possible. If your trip is close, review the urgent passport options that match your travel date and application status.

Your Itinerary

Choose lodging with safety in mind. When possible, stay in a well-reviewed hotel with secure entrances, reliable staff, good lighting, and clear emergency procedures.

Many safety experts recommend booking a room above the ground floor but not too high to reach in an emergency. A room between the second and seventh floors is often suggested because it may reduce easy access from outside while still being reachable by many fire departments.

When you have a choice of airports, airlines, or routes, compare safety, reliability, and cancellation policies before booking. A lower fare may not be worth it if the itinerary includes risky connections, long delays, or poor support if something goes wrong.

Pay for major parts of your trip in advance when it makes sense. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry and make travel less stressful. Also consider travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and other unexpected problems.

Legal Documents

Put important personal and financial matters in order before you travel. Leave copies of key documents, such as your will, insurance information, medical instructions, and power of attorney, with a trusted family member or friend.

If you have minor children, make sure a responsible adult has the information and legal authority needed to care for them while you are away. Taking these steps before departure can make it easier for your family to respond if an emergency occurs during your trip.

Register your travel

Before you travel abroad, enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that lets U.S. citizens receive safety updates, security alerts, and other important messages from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Enrolling in STEP can also make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you, or your emergency contact, if there is a crisis in the country where you are traveling. This may include a natural disaster, civil unrest, a security event, or a family emergency.

You can enroll online at step.state.gov. The Department of State does not release information about your welfare or location without your written authorization, except as allowed by law.

Credit Cards

Before you travel, check the credit limit on each card you plan to bring and avoid charging more than the available amount. A declined card can create serious problems overseas, especially if you are trying to pay for a hotel, rental car, medical bill, or transportation.

Contact your credit card company before departure to confirm how to report a lost or stolen card from outside the United States. Toll-free 1-800 numbers often do not work internationally, so save the correct international customer service number in your phone and keep a backup copy in a separate place.

Also notify your bank or card issuer about your travel plans, if they recommend it. Many card companies use fraud detection systems that may flag or block unusual activity, including purchases made in another country. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you avoid frozen accounts, declined transactions, and unnecessary stress while abroad.

Insurance

Before you travel, check whether your personal property insurance covers loss or theft outside the United States. This can help you understand whether items such as luggage, electronics, jewelry, or other valuables are protected while you are abroad.

You should also confirm whether your health insurance covers medical care in other countries. Medicare and Medicaid generally do not pay for medical care outside the United States, and many private health plans offer limited or no international coverage.

Even if your health insurance reimburses overseas medical expenses, it may not cover emergency medical evacuation from a remote area or from a country with limited medical facilities. For that reason, consider travel insurance that includes short-term medical coverage, emergency assistance, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, travel delays, and lost baggage protection.

Precautions to Take While Traveling

Safety on the Street

Use the same common sense abroad that you would use at home. Stay alert in places where travelers are more likely to be targeted, such as crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist attractions, markets, festivals, and areas known for crime.

• Avoid shortcuts, narrow alleys, and poorly lit streets.
• Try not to walk or travel alone at night.
• Stay away from demonstrations, protests, and civil disturbances.
• Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations, arguments, or behavior that draws attention.
• Do not share travel plans, hotel details, or personal information with strangers.
• Be cautious when strangers approach you offering directions, tours, transportation, or bargain deals.
• Watch for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Some work with accomplices who distract you by asking questions, bumping into you, pointing at something on your clothes, or creating confusion.
• Keep your bag close to your body. Wear the strap across your chest and carry the bag away from the street to reduce the risk of snatching.
• Move with purpose, even if you are unsure where you are going. Ask for directions from police officers, hotel staff, transportation employees, or other people in official roles.
• Know how to call for help in your destination, including how to use your phone internationally.
• Learn a few basic emergency phrases in the local language, or keep them saved on your phone or written down.
• Save important emergency numbers, including local police, fire, ambulance, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• If someone threatens you, do not resist. Give up your valuables and get to a safe place as quickly as possible.

Safety in Your Hotel

• Keep your hotel room door locked at all times, even when you are inside the room.
• Meet visitors in the lobby or another public area instead of inviting them to your room.
• Do not leave money, passports, electronics, or other valuables in your room while you are out. Use the hotel safe when available.
• If you plan to be out late, let someone you trust know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If you are alone, avoid getting into an elevator with someone who makes you feel unsafe. Wait for another elevator or ask hotel staff for help.
• Read the fire safety instructions in your room. Know how to report a fire and locate the nearest exits.
• Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This can help you find your way out if the hallway is dark or filled with smoke.

Safety on Public Transportation

Before using public transportation abroad, review the U.S. Department of State's country information page for your destination. If tourists are commonly targeted on taxis, trains, buses, or other forms of transportation, that information is usually included in the safety and security section.

• Taxis: Use only licensed taxis with official markings. Avoid unmarked cabs or drivers who approach you aggressively at airports, train stations, or tourist areas.
• Ride-sharing services: If you use a ride-sharing app, confirm the driver's name, vehicle, and license plate before getting in. Use services that include GPS tracking, and share your trip status with someone you trust when possible.
• Trains: Stay alert on trains, especially at night, on overnight routes, and on popular tourist routes. Keep bags close, secure valuables, and avoid leaving luggage unattended in corridors, compartments, or overhead racks.
• Watch for distraction tactics: Be cautious if someone blocks your path while another person moves close behind you. This can happen on platforms, in stations, or in train corridors.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers: Criminals sometimes use food or drinks to distract, disorient, or take advantage of travelers. Bring your own snacks and drinks when possible.
• Secure your sleeping area: If you are traveling overnight, lock your compartment if possible. If it cannot be locked, keep valuables on your body, secure your luggage, and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Ask for help if you feel unsafe: Alert train staff, police, security officers, or other authorities if someone is threatening you or acting suspiciously.
• Buses: Use the same caution on buses and in bus stations that you would use on trains. Keep valuables close, stay alert while sleeping, and be careful on routes where tourists are known to be targeted.

Safety When You Drive

• Rent a common local vehicle. When possible, choose a car that does not stand out as a rental or luxury vehicle. Ask the rental company if any obvious rental markings can be removed.
• Check the vehicle before driving. Make sure the car is in good condition, including the tires, lights, brakes, mirrors, locks, and seat belts.
• Choose safety features when available. Power locks, power windows, and air conditioning can help you control access to the vehicle and keep windows closed while driving.
• Keep doors locked and windows up. Locked doors and closed windows can reduce the risk of theft, especially in traffic, at intersections, or in unfamiliar areas.
• Wear your seat belt. Make sure all passengers wear seat belts as well.
• Avoid driving at night. When possible, plan your route so you can drive during daylight hours, especially in rural areas or places you do not know well.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Do not leave passports, bags, electronics, money, or other valuables visible in the car. If you must leave items behind, lock them in the trunk before you reach your destination.
• Use secure parking. Park in a garage, hotel lot, or guarded parking area when available. If secure parking is not available, choose a well-lit, busy area.
• Never pick up hitchhikers. Do not give rides to strangers while traveling.
• Stay in the car if something feels wrong. If people nearby make you feel unsafe, do not get out. Keep the doors locked and drive to a safer location.

Patterns of Crime Against Motorists

In some popular tourist areas, criminals target travelers in rental cars or vehicles that appear to belong to visitors. Before driving in a new destination, review local safety information and ask your rental car company whether there are common scams, robbery tactics, or high-risk routes to avoid.

Be especially alert at gas stations, parking lots, traffic lights, city streets, and highways near tourist destinations. Be cautious if someone tries to wave you down, point to your car, signal that something is wrong, or get your attention while you are in or near your vehicle.

Some thieves pose as helpful strangers. They may claim you have a flat tire, create a minor problem with your car, or ask for assistance so that one person can distract you while others steal your luggage, valuables, or vehicle.

Criminals may also try to force a stop by driving aggressively, bumping your car, or causing a minor accident. If something feels suspicious, stay in the vehicle with the doors locked and drive to a safe, public place such as a police station, gas station, hotel, or busy business before stopping.

In some cities, thieves may break a car window at a traffic light or in slow traffic to grab visible bags, phones, purses, or other valuables. Keep valuables out of sight, doors locked, and windows up. Defensive driving abroad means watching the road and staying aware of pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and anyone who may be approaching your vehicle.

How to Handle Money Safely

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while traveling. Use only the amount you need for the day, and keep backup cash, cards, and important documents in a secure place when possible.

Be discreet when paying for purchases. Do not display large amounts of money in public, and make sure your credit or debit card is returned to you after each transaction.

Exchange money only through authorized banks, exchange offices, ATMs, hotels, or other trusted providers. Avoid black-market currency exchanges, unofficial agents, or anyone who approaches you on the street offering a better rate.

If your money, cards, passport, airline tickets, or other possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss to the local police as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of the police report, which may be needed for insurance claims, replacement documents, or proof of what happened.

After filing a police report, contact the appropriate provider or authority:

• Report lost or stolen credit and debit cards to the issuing bank or card company.
• Report lost airline tickets or travel reservations to the airline, travel agency, or booking provider.
• Report a lost or stolen passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• If you still use traveler's checks, report the loss to the nearest agent of the issuing company.

How to Avoid Legal Difficulties

When you are in another country, you must follow that country's laws. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be legal, tolerated, or considered minor offenses in the United States.

Before you travel, learn about the laws and legal expectations in each country you plan to visit. The U.S. Department of State's country information pages may include warnings about common reasons travelers are arrested or detained abroad.

Drug Violations

Drug laws can be much stricter overseas than they are in the United States. Some countries do not make a major distinction between possession and trafficking, and penalties can be severe even for small amounts.

U.S. citizens have also been arrested abroad for carrying prescription medications that were legal in one country but restricted or illegal in another. This can include certain pain medications, stimulants, sedatives, and other controlled substances.

Before traveling with medication, check the rules for every country on your itinerary, including transit countries. Keep prescriptions in their original labeled containers, bring a copy of your prescription, and contact the destination country's embassy or consulate if you are unsure whether a medication is allowed.

Possession of Firearms

Do not assume that firearms or ammunition that are legal in the United States are legal in another country. Travelers can face serious criminal penalties for bringing firearms, ammunition, gun parts, or related items across an international border without proper authorization.

This is especially important when traveling to nearby destinations such as Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean, where U.S. citizens have faced legal trouble for carrying firearms or ammunition. Before traveling, review the laws of your destination and any transit countries. If you have any doubt, do not bring the item.

There are also strict rules about bringing firearms, ammunition, and other restricted items into the United States. Before your trip, review our complete guide to prohibited items.

Photography

In some countries, taking photos of certain places can lead to questioning, detention, fines, or arrest. This may include military sites, police stations, government buildings, border areas, airports, bridges, ports, and transportation facilities.

If you are unsure whether photography is allowed, ask permission before taking pictures. Pay attention to posted signs and follow instructions from police, military personnel, security officers, or local authorities.

Purchasing Antiques

Be careful when buying antiques, artifacts, fossils, religious objects, artwork, or souvenirs that may be considered cultural property. Travelers have been detained or arrested for trying to leave a country with items that local authorities believed were protected national treasures.

Before buying an item that looks old or culturally significant, ask whether it can legally be exported. If the item is a reproduction, get written proof from the seller. If it is authentic, confirm whether you need an export permit or other official documentation before leaving the country.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks can happen without warning, so no traveler can eliminate every risk. The best protection is to avoid destinations or specific areas with a history of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, political violence, or threats against foreign visitors.

Before you travel, review the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory for your destination and stay alert to local security updates. While most travelers are more likely to face common crime than terrorism, basic precautions can help reduce your risk and make you less vulnerable in public places.

• Book direct flights when possible and avoid unnecessary stops in high-risk areas.
• Be careful about sharing your itinerary, hotel details, or personal information with strangers.
• Avoid discussing sensitive travel plans in public where others may overhear.
• Spend as little time as possible in unsecured airport areas. After check-in, move to the secure area, and after arrival, leave the airport promptly.
• Avoid clothing, luggage tags, or behavior that makes you stand out as a tourist or foreign visitor.
• Stay alert for unattended bags, packages, or suspicious items. Report them to airport staff, police, or security personnel and leave the area.
• Avoid places that may be obvious targets, including high-profile government buildings, military sites, large demonstrations, and locations where foreigners are known to gather.
• Trust your instincts. If a place or situation feels unsafe, leave calmly and move to a more secure location.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you must travel to an area with a history of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, or serious security threats, take extra precautions before and during your trip.

• Discuss emergency plans with your family before you leave, and make sure important personal, financial, and legal matters are in order.
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. This can help the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate contact you, or your emergency contact, if a crisis occurs.
• Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted family member or friend. Include your travel dates, hotel information, transportation plans, phone numbers, and copies of your passport or other citizenship documents.
• Keep someone informed of your plans, and update them if your schedule, hotel, route, or destination changes.
• Be friendly but cautious when discussing personal details, travel plans, business matters, or your itinerary with people you do not know well.
• Do not leave personal documents, business papers, passports, electronics, or other sensitive items unsecured in your hotel room.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for people who appear to be following you, observing your movements, or waiting near your hotel, vehicle, workplace, or regular routes.
• Identify safe places near your hotel and travel routes, such as police stations, hospitals, reputable hotels, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Report suspicious activity to local authorities and, when appropriate, to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Use only clearly marked, licensed taxis or trusted ride services. Confirm the vehicle and driver before getting in, and avoid cars that are not officially identified.
• Travel with others when possible, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
• Confirm the identity of visitors before opening your hotel room door. Meet people in the lobby or another public area instead of in your room or in a remote location.
• Refuse unexpected packages, bags, or items from people you do not know.
• Keep your vehicle in good working condition, lock the doors, keep windows closed in crowded areas, and stay alert for anything unusual near or around the car.
• If violence or an attack occurs nearby, move away from danger as soon as it is safe to do so. Follow instructions from local authorities, security personnel, or emergency responders.

Hijacking and Hostage Situations

Every hijacking or hostage situation is different, and there is no single response that fits every case. Still, there are general principles that may help you stay calmer, reduce risk, and make better decisions during a crisis.

• The U.S. government's policy is not to make concessions to terrorists. When U.S. citizens are abducted overseas, the United States works with the host government and other partners to seek their safe release.
• At the beginning of a hostage situation, attackers may be tense, unpredictable, or aggressive. Try to remain calm, alert, and in control of your own actions.
• Avoid sudden movements, arguments, threats, or resistance. Do not try to escape unless you are certain it is safe and likely to succeed.
• Cooperate calmly with instructions. Speak in a normal tone, avoid complaining, and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
• If questioned, keep answers brief and factual. Do not volunteer extra information.
• Try to stay mentally and physically composed. Prepare yourself for the possibility that the situation may last longer than expected.
• Avoid staring, making yourself stand out, or appearing to study the attackers' actions.
• Eat and drink enough to maintain your strength, if food and water are provided. Avoid alcohol or anything that could impair your judgment.
• In a longer situation, remain polite and avoid political, religious, or confrontational topics.
• If possible, create a simple routine to help manage stress, such as quiet breathing, prayer, stretching, or mental exercises.
• Focus on staying calm, conserving energy, and getting through the situation one step at a time.

Assistance Abroad

If you need help overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Consular Section can provide updated information about local safety conditions, emergency services, medical care, and other resources for U.S. citizens abroad.

If you become ill or injured, consular officers can help you find local doctors, hospitals, or medical facilities. They can also help you contact family or friends in the United States. If needed, they may assist with arranging a transfer of funds from family or friends, but you are responsible for paying your own medical bills, hospital costs, and related expenses.

If you are arrested or face legal trouble abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. Consular officers cannot act as your lawyer, give legal advice, or get you out of jail. However, they can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you if you are detained, explain basic information about the local legal process, and help ensure that you are treated fairly under local law.

If you are detained, ask to speak with a U.S. consular officer. In many countries, local authorities are required to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate when a U.S. citizen is arrested, but you should still request consular assistance directly. If your request is denied, remain calm and politely continue asking. You can also try to have someone else contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf.

A consular officer can contact your family or friends if you request it. In some situations, they may also help arrange money transfers or assist with basic needs such as food or clothing when local conditions make that necessary.

Resources for U.S. Citizen Crime Victims

If you become the victim of a crime overseas, contact local police first if you are in immediate danger or need urgent help. Then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Being a crime victim in another country can be especially difficult. You may be far from family, unfamiliar with the local legal system, unable to speak the language, or unsure where to get medical, emotional, or financial support.

Consular officers cannot investigate crimes, provide legal advice, represent you in court, serve as official interpreters or translators, or pay your legal, medical, or other expenses. However, they can help you understand what resources may be available and connect you with local assistance.

U.S. embassy and consulate staff may be able to help you:

• Replace a stolen passport
• Contact family, friends, or employers
• Find local doctors, hospitals, or medical care
• Address emergency needs related to the crime
• Get general information about the local criminal justice process
• Ask how to obtain information about your case from local authorities
• Find local victim assistance resources, including possible compensation programs
• Get information about crime victim assistance and compensation programs in the United States
• Obtain a list of local attorneys who speak English

Victim Assistance

If you are the victim of a crime overseas, you may be able to get help from crime victim assistance programs in the United States. Many local programs help residents of their community even if the crime happened in another country.

These programs may include counseling, crisis support, shelter services, support groups, help for families of homicide victims, child abuse victim services, assistance for victims of drunk driving crashes, and other specialized resources. Contact your local victim assistance program or state victim services office to learn what help may be available.

Victim Compensation

Every U.S. state operates a crime victim compensation program, and some states may provide benefits to residents who are victims of violent crime overseas. Eligibility rules vary by state.

These programs may reimburse eligible victims for certain expenses, such as medical care, counseling, funeral costs, lost income, loss of support, or other costs related to the crime. Most programs require the crime to be reported to law enforcement and may ask for a copy of the police report.

Contact Information for Victim Compensation and Assistance Programs

Crime victims may be able to get help from state compensation programs, local victim assistance organizations, crisis hotlines, and national referral services. Available services and eligibility rules vary by state, so start with the program or hotline that best matches your situation.

• Crime victim compensation: The National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards provides a state-by-state directory of crime victim compensation programs. These programs may help eligible victims with certain crime-related expenses, such as medical care, counseling, lost wages, or funeral costs.
• Office for Victims of Crime: The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime offers information about victim compensation, victim assistance, and resources for crime victims and service providers.
• Sexual assault support: The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, provides confidential support and referrals. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN online for chat and additional resources.
• Domestic violence support: The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit the hotline online for chat and safety information.
• Local victim services: Many communities have victim assistance programs that can help with safety planning, referrals, court-related information, counseling resources, and other support. Your state victim services office or local law enforcement agency may be able to refer you to nearby programs.
• Help after a crime overseas: If you are a U.S. citizen and become the victim of a crime abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular officers may help you replace a stolen passport, contact family or friends, find medical care, obtain information about the local justice process, and locate local resources.

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. If you are overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as it is safe to do so.

Last reviewed: September 28, 2026.