Arrested abroad — FOD Buitenlandse Zaken · Belgium

Direct answer

Every detained EU citizen has the right to have their consulate informed and to a lawyer and an interpreter — ask for both, immediately and in writing. FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand (02 501 81 11) — the consular service of Belgium — visits, checks conditions, passes messages to the family, and provides a list of local lawyers; it cannot get anyone released or interfere with the case. Bureau voor Juridische Bijstand (pro Deo) / Justitiehuis (advocaat.be) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Slachtofferhulp (CAW) / Commissie voor financiële hulp aan slachtoffers (0800 13 500) supports the family at home.

Call firstFOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand

Report toBureau voor Juridische Bijstand (pro Deo) / Justitiehuis

If that failsSlachtofferhulp (CAW) / Commissie voor financiële hulp aan slachtoffers

🗣️ What to say

"[Name], a citizen of Belgium, was arrested in [city, country] on [date] and is held at [place if known]. I am [relation]. Has the consulate been informed? Can you visit, confirm their situation, and help with a lawyer and passing messages?"

🪜 Step by step

Consular line: FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstandGive name, date of birth, place of detention, what you know. Ask them to make contact.
LawyerA local lawyer, from the consulate's list or via legal aid. A lawyer from home can advise but usually cannot act there.
Do not pay "release fees"Calls asking the family for money to free someone are almost always scams. Verify through the consulate.
Money and messagesThe consulate can transfer funds from the family for essentials and pass letters.
Long detentionTransfer to serve a sentence at home is possible under EU and Council of Europe rules; the consulate and the lawyer explain.

📇 All contacts

FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstandAssistance abroad, 24/7 emergency lineIn an emergency abroad📞 02 501 81 11 🔗 diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/reizen

Bureau voor Juridische Bijstand (pro Deo) / JustitiehuisFree first-line advice and legal aid lawyerWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.advocaat.be/nl/juridische-bijstand

Slachtofferhulp (CAW) / Commissie voor financiële hulp aan slachtoffersFree support and accompaniment, compensationAfter any crime📞 0800 13 500 🔗 www.slachtofferzorg.be

❓ Frequently asked

Can the consulate get them out?

No — they cannot interfere with the justice system of another country. They ensure fair treatment and contact.

What if the person is a dual national of that country?

The other country may not recognise the right to consular access. The consulate still tries.

Will it be on their record at home?

Foreign convictions can be exchanged between EU countries (ECRIS). A lawyer at home can advise on the consequences.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔓 Someone I know has been arrested abroad — what can be done?