When you travel to another country you are generally subject to that country’s laws and your actions and the legal protections available to you will be determined by that country’s laws—subject to possible treaties and other agreements the United States may have with the country you are visiting.

If you’re a U.S. citizen abroad or a relative of an U.S. citizen needing help abroad, contact the closest U.S. Embassy for assistance: https://www.usembassy.gov/

You can also visit the “Get Help in an Emergency” section on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website by copying and pasting this URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into your internet browser:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies.html

Learn How the Department of State Can Help in an Emergency

Embassies can help with:

• Natural disasters and foreign crises

• Lost or stolen passports

• Medical emergencies

• Crime or arrest

• Missing persons

• Parental child abductions

• Death abroad

When a South Carolina resident travels to another country, they are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. This means that their legal rights and the consequences of their actions will be governed by the local laws, which may differ significantly from U.S. laws. In the event of an emergency or legal issue while abroad, U.S. citizens can seek assistance from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Department of State can provide support in various situations, including natural disasters, lost or stolen passports, medical emergencies, arrests, missing persons, parental child abductions, and deaths. It is important for travelers to be aware of the services the embassy can provide and to have contact information readily available. The U.S. Department of State's website offers resources and information on how to get help in an emergency. Additionally, international treaties and agreements between the United States and the country visited may offer certain protections or procedures for U.S. citizens.