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The report, based on incident figures from FCO records, reveals that 8,304 Britons needed assistance in the US, 6,710 passports were lost in Spain, 602 Brits were hospitalised in Greece and 1,591 died in Spain over the period April 06–March 07.

Foreign Office Minister, Meg Munn, said: "This report highlights what can go wrong on holiday.  It is a reminder to all that taking out comprehensive travel insurance is a crucial part of your holiday planning and not something that should be sacrificed in order to save a few pounds.

Helping British nationals in distress overseas is one of our most important tasks but many of the problems faced by holidaymakers are preventable.  By carrying out some simple research on the laws, customs and health requirements of a country in advance, many people could prevent their holidays being ruined.'

The report reveals many interesting findings including:

Serious incidents

Taking into account the number of British visitors and residents, Indonesia showed a very high rate of serious assistance cases (10.05 for every 1,000 Brits) followed by Pakistan (1.95) and then India (1.37)

There are a number of reasons for Indonesia’s high rates of serious assistance cases including accidents, theft of money and passports and involvement in drugs. It’s not unusual for the police to round people up in bars where they suspect drugs are being used and make them submit to a urine or blood test; a positive result is then sufficient evidence to charge for using.

Hospitalisations

Spain had the highest number of hospitalisations (695) followed by Greece (602) and then Thailand (324)

Many of the hospitalisations in Thailand are a result of motorbike accidents – particularly in the Southern islands.  Thailand has one of the world’s highest road traffic accident rates, almost all of which involve motorbikes.

Arrests

Proportionally, Brits were more likely to be arrested in Cyprus, closely followed by the USA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Many of the Brits arrested in the UAE were transiting between the UK and elsewhere and were detained as a result of the country’s zero policy on drugs, with possession of as little as 0.01g leading to people being arrested and detained.  Low tolerance of alcohol related activities and driving offences as well as low tolerance of any perceived anti-Islamic behaviour, such as a lack of respect for UAE officials, also contribute.

2,032 Brits were arrested in Spain last year – 33% more than the year before and more than any other country. 153 arrests were made in France – 42% more than the year before

Further information

• If things go wrong when you're abroad
• British behaviour abroad annual report Opens new window