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Brits Abroad: Top Arrest Hotspots Revealed
30 Jan
Summary
- Spain, US, and UAE are top destinations for British arrests abroad.
- Over 37,000 British nationals arrested overseas since 2016.
- Drug smuggling and sexual offenses account for 8% of arrests.
New data reveals that over 37,000 British citizens have been arrested in foreign countries between 2016 and early 2024. Spain leads this list, with 8,998 arrests during the period, followed by the United States at 5,775 and the United Arab Emirates with 2,236 arrests.
In 2024 alone, 4,643 British nationals were arrested abroad, marking a 10% increase from the previous year and the highest annual total since before the pandemic. While drug smuggling and sexual offenses account for 8% of these arrests, the majority, 92%, are categorized as general or unknown offenses.
Travel insurance experts emphasize researching local laws, as common UK actions can lead to penalties abroad. Examples include public drinking in Madrid, which can incur fines up to €3,000, and possession of even small amounts of cannabis in Florida, which can lead to jail time.
