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Hundreds in overseas drug arrests Figures highlight holiday hazards
(1 day later)
About a fifth of all British arrests abroad are now for drug offences, with nearly 1,000 cases in 12 months, Foreign Office figures suggest. British travellers have been urged to use common sense abroad, as annual Foreign Office figures showed almost 7,000 were arrested over 12 months.
Spain saw the highest total number arrested (2,290) or taken to hospital (741) between April 2008 and March 2009, the data shows. Of 6,919 arrests, 991 were for drugs offences, overseas incidents figures for April 2008 to last March showed.
Thailand, Greece, Egypt and India saw the highest proportions of British visitors taken to hospital. Spain, the most popular destination with 17 million visitors, saw the most arrests of Britons - 2,290.
The Foreign Office said preparation could help people avoid problems. The Foreign Office said knowing "local laws and customs before you travel could avoid time in a foreign jail".
"Researching the local laws and customs before you travel could avoid time in a foreign jail," said Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant. Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant said it was not for the state to be people's "mummy or daddy... holding their hand" on holiday.
"Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won't bankrupt you in extortionate medical or repatriation bills." But he urged "common sense" precautions such as avoiding drugs, taking necessary medication or being vaccinated, and wearing helmets while riding mopeds.
He added: "The message is clear - have a great time while you're away, but make the necessary preparations before you go." Spain witnessed the highest number of Britons taken to hospital - 741.
The Foreign Office highlighted that topless sunbathing, swearing and public displays of affection could also lead to arrest in some countries. This is equivalent to one in every 23,000 visitors to Spain, while there were higher proportions of hospital attendances in less popular destinations.
Thailand saw 198 Britons taken to hospital from 812,000 visitors (about one in 4,000); Greece - 433 from 3 million visitors (one in 7,000); Egypt - 97 from 1.2 million (one in 12,000), and India saw 52 from 734,000 visitors (one in 14,000).
Mr Bryant said: "Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won't bankrupt you in extortionate medical or repatriation bills.
"The message is clear - have a great time while you're away, but make the necessary preparations before you go."
Lost passportsLost passports
There were 991 arrests of Britons for drug offences worldwide in the period. The British Behaviour Abroad report, based on information from consular offices around the globe, said 22 people were facing capital charges for crimes, some of which could lead to the death penalty.
Britons reported 116 rapes - 28 in Greece and 22 in Spain - and 154 sexual assaults.Britons reported 116 rapes - 28 in Greece and 22 in Spain - and 154 sexual assaults.
Lost or stolen passports were said to be the most frequent problem, with 29,774 reported cases worldwide. Lost or stolen passports were the most frequently reported problem, with 29,774 cases worldwide.
Out of 6.5 million British visitors to the US last year, there were 1,534 arrests.Out of 6.5 million British visitors to the US last year, there were 1,534 arrests.
But Britons were most likely to get arrested in the United Arab Emirates, where there were 294 detentions from 1.1 million visits, followed by Thailand and the US.But Britons were most likely to get arrested in the United Arab Emirates, where there were 294 detentions from 1.1 million visits, followed by Thailand and the US.
The Foreign Office highlighted that topless sunbathing, swearing and public displays of affection could lead to arrest in some countries.