METHODS: Publicly available consular assistance data (2014-2023) were analysed descriptively. Consular missions were listed under 16-19 categories.
RESULTS: A total of 26,378 consular assistance missions were recorded. The greatest proportion of missions related to COVID-19 repatriations (26.9%, n=7,097), deaths overseas (10%, n=2,650), and medical illness/mental health emergency abroad (11.6%, n=3,047). Forensic incidents (arrests/victims of crime) accounted for 12.9% (n=3,392) of consular assistance episodes.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the characteristics and trends of consular assistance requests received by a national governmental agency. Future studies should explore traveller awareness of consular procedures and the extent to which they are addressed in travel medicine consultations.