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What to do if…
an evacuation order is issued while you are abroad

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Follow the evacuation instructions from local authorities and leave as soon as possible using the route, transport or assembly point they specify. Take your passport, essential medication and phone if they are immediately reachable, but do not delay leaving to collect belongings.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait for the UK government to confirm a clear local evacuation order.
  • Do not delay while packing non-essential belongings.
  • Do not use roads, routes or areas that local authorities have closed.
  • Do not return for belongings unless local authorities say it is safe.
  • Do not rely only on rumours, forwarded messages or unverified social media posts.
  • Do not separate from children or anyone who depends on your assistance.
  • Do not assume the British embassy or UK government will arrange your evacuation or transport.
  • Do not delay leaving solely because your passport or another document is missing.

What to do now

  1. Follow the local evacuation order immediately. Go to the stated assembly point, shelter, safer area or transport location using the route specified by local authorities.

  2. If you are in immediate danger, cannot reach the instructed route or need urgent rescue, contact the local emergency services. The emergency number for your destination may be listed in the getting-help section of its FCDO travel advice.

  3. If the order is unclear, check an official local alert or ask police, emergency responders, civil-protection authorities, hotel staff or your host. If the instruction to leave is clear, do not remain in danger while seeking additional confirmation.

  4. Take one small bag if it is immediately accessible. Prioritise passports or other identification, essential medication, your phone, a charger or power bank, insurance details, payment cards, accessible cash, water and suitable clothing.

  5. Keep your group together. Tell local officials or your accommodation provider promptly if you have limited mobility, are travelling with children, need medical support or cannot reach the evacuation point without assistance.

  6. Use the designated route or official transport. Follow barriers and changes announced by recognised local authorities, even when your usual route appears quicker.

  7. Send one brief message to a trusted person stating that you are evacuating, where you have been directed and who is with you. Preserve your phone battery and keep the device available for official alerts.

  8. Once you are moving safely or have reached the evacuation point, check the FCDO travel advice for the country and sign up for email updates. Use any dedicated FCDO registration service only if one is announced for the specific crisis.

  9. Contact your airline, tour operator, employer, accommodation provider and travel insurer as relevant. Ask about current transport, alternative accommodation and assistance available under your booking or policy.

  10. If you are a British national who needs urgent consular help, contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or call the FCDO 24 hours a day on +44 20 7008 5000 from outside the UK. FCDO assistance depends on the circumstances and may be limited.

  11. If your passport is missing, damaged or inaccessible, continue to follow the evacuation order. Once you are safer, contact British consular services and check whether you need an emergency travel document for urgent onward travel.

What can wait

You do not need to decide the rest of your trip, book your full journey home, replace documents, recover belongings, submit insurance claims or update everyone now. Concentrate on reaching the instructed safer location, keeping your group together and receiving reliable updates.

Important reassurance

You do not need complete information before taking the next safe step. Following recognised local instructions, taking only reachable essentials and telling one trusted person where you are going are reasonable actions while circumstances are changing.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Onward travel, immigration matters, replacement documents, insurance claims and longer-term accommodation may require assistance from your travel provider, insurer, employer, British consular services or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not emergency, security, legal, medical, financial or insurance advice. Conditions and official procedures differ between countries and incidents. In immediate danger, contact the local emergency services and follow recognised local authorities.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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