The UK government has specified three eligibility conditions that victims of overseas terrorist attacks must satisfy to qualify for financial compensation under its official Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme. According to the government's dedicated scheme page, the program covers individuals physically or mentally injured in recognized terrorist incidents abroad, as well as witnesses who saw a loved one harmed, and partners or close family members of those killed.
Key Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must meet three core requirements. First, they must have been physically or mentally injured in a recognized act of terrorism overseas, or witnessed an attack in which a loved one was harmed, or be the partner or close family member of someone who was killed. Second, they must hold British, European Union, European Economic Area, or Swiss citizenship, or be a member of the UK armed forces (or a close relative of such a member). Third, they must have lived continuously in the UK for at least three years immediately before the terrorist incident occurred.
Covered Attacks and Application Process
The scheme applies to terrorist attacks that occurred on or after 27 November 2012. The government currently lists more than two dozen specific attacks for which claims can be filed. These span multiple continents and include high-profile incidents such as the New Orleans attack on 1 January 2025, the Mogadishu attack of 2 August 2024, the Queen Elizabeth National Park attack on 17 October 2023, and the Paris attacks of November 2015 and December 2023. Other covered incidents include the Berlin attack of December 2016, the Nice attack of July 2016, the Sri Lanka Easter bombings of April 2019, the Christchurch mosque attacks of March 2019, the Westgate shopping mall attack of 21 September 2013, and the In Amenas hostage crisis of 16 January 2013.
Additional Details
Claims are submitted to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which operates a dedicated Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme team based in Glasgow. The government notes that claims may also be possible for attacks not yet named on the official list and encourages potential applicants to make contact regardless of whether their specific incident is listed. The scheme reflects the UK's commitment to supporting victims of terrorism worldwide while ensuring that compensation is directed to those with a genuine connection to the country.
