How Foreign Laws Apply to You

In this section, you will find information on what you should know about the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.

Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in the country where you will be studying. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all the laws of your destination country and the other countries to which you are traveling.

If you break local laws while abroad, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of your study abroad country. The U.S. and foreign governments encourage all visitors to their countries to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival abroad, you may also wish to ask a foreign official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol consumption has been associated with law-breaking in most cases.

For more complete information on foreign laws and the legal system of the country to which you will be travelling, visit the U.S. Department of State Country Background Notes.

• Know the Relevant Laws: Make sure you know the relevant laws for each country to which you plan to travel. Foreign laws apply to visitors, regardless of the visitor’s country of citizenship.

• Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets: Read the Travel Warning and State Department Consular sheets for information on the legal systems in the countries to which you will be traveling.
• Embassy or Consulate Assistance: If you find yourself in legal trouble abroad (for example, arrested), the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (or that of the country where you are a citizen) may only be able to assist you in the following ways:

  1. Visit you in jail after your arrest
  2. Give you a list of local attorneys
  3. Notify your family and friends and relay request for money and other aid
  4. Intercede with local authorities to help ensure your proper treatment under the law and in accordance with internationally recognized standards
  5. Protest mistreatment
• Legal Representation: You will be responsible for bearing the financial burden of your legal representation as well as the outcome of a trial.
• Constitutional Rights: You cease to be protected by U.S. law and Constitutional rights once you leave the country.
• Unfair Imprisonment: If you feel you have been unfairly imprisoned by another country’s government, the U.S. State Department can provide some assistance. It may be necessary to hire a local attorney as well.
• Kidnapping/Terrorism Situations: If you are kidnapped or taken hostage by a terrorist organization, the U.S. State Department may help negotiate for your release. Check with your insurance provider to see if you can purchase additional hostage, terrorist, or emergency assistance insurance.