I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home? · Belgium

Direct answer

Report the loss or theft to the local police — the report is what the consulate and the insurer need — then contact FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand (02 501 81 11), the consular emergency line of Belgium: the nearest embassy or consulate issues an emergency travel document within a day or two, on presentation of the report, a photo, another ID or proof of nationality, and a fee. No embassy nearby? Any other EU country's embassy must help EU citizens. Travel insurance — Ombudsman van de Verzekeringen (02 547 58 71) if it refuses — covers the extra costs.

Call firstFOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand

Report toPolitie — Police-on-web

If that failsOmbudsman van de Verzekeringen

🗣️ What to say

"I am a citizen of Belgium in [city, country]. My passport was [lost / stolen] on [date]; police report [number]. I am travelling on [date] and need an emergency travel document. Which consulate is nearest, what do you need, and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

Police reportLocal police station; ask for a copy in English if possible.
Consular line: FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand24/7 in most countries. They tell you the nearest post and what to bring.
Emergency documentPhotos (any photo shop), the report, a copy of the old passport if you have one, fee. Valid for the trip home only.
No embassy of BelgiumAny other EU member state's consulate is obliged to help EU citizens on the same terms.
Insurance and airlineKeep receipts; tell the airline you will travel on an emergency document — some routes need a visa check.

📇 All contacts

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

Politie — Police-on-webOnline report, case number immediatelyAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform🔗 www.police.be/nl/e-loket

Ombudsman van de VerzekeringenFree mediation with insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 02 547 58 71 🔗 www.ombudsman-insurance.be

Dienst Bevolking van de gemeente / Mijn BurgerprofielChange of address, certificates, national registerWithin 8 working days of moving🔗 www.belgium.be/nl/familie/identiteit/adreswijziging

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fly home with just the police report?

No; you need an emergency document or a temporary passport. Within Schengen a national ID card also works if you have one.

My residence permit was in the passport

Tell FOD Buitenlandse Zaken — consulaire bijstand and the immigration authority at home; you may need a return visa. Start the same day.

Children's passports

Same procedure; both parents' consent may be required for a minor's emergency document.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“lost passport abroad Belgium embassy”
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🛂 I lost my passport abroad — how do I get home?