Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides several services through their contact number +44 20 7008 5000. You can make general enquiries about FCDO policies, services, and activities during business hours, Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00, and Saturday, 09:00–13:00. Emergency assistance for British nationals abroad is available 24/7, covering situations like accidents or arrests. Freedom of Information (FOI) requests can also be processed during business hours. Note that this line does not handle visa or passport enquiries, and such calls are redirected. Callers may experience long wait times during international crises or peak travel periods, but automated messages and call-back options are sometimes available.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Ask about FCDO policies
- Request emergency assistance
- Submit FOI requests
- Inquire about FCDO services
- Report a crisis abroad
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Nature of enquiry
- Contact details
- Details of emergency
- Name of British national
- Location of British national
- Detailed FOI request
Known issues
Callers sometimes face long hold times, especially during international crises or peak travel periods. Automated messages and call-back options may be provided, with urgent cases prioritized. Additionally, many callers mistakenly inquire about visas or passports, which are not handled by this line, leading to frustration. The FCDO has implemented clearer pre-call messaging and website guidance to reduce misrouted enquiries. For faster service, ensure your enquiry is related to FCDO responsibilities and have all necessary details ready before calling.
