Losing your passport in Belgium can be alarming. Whether you’re an expat or visitor, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you back on track.
Report the Passport Loss to the Police
- If your passport is stolen, file a police report at the nearest local police station (politiebureau or commissariat de police) and request written documentation (aangifte or déclaration).
- If it was simply lost, it’s still advisable to report it — both to avoid potential identity misuse and to support your application at your embassy or consulate.
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate in Belgium
Reach out to your home country’s embassy or consulate, most of which are located in Brussels (some in Antwerp or Liège).
📄 You’ll generally need:
- The police report or its copy
- Proof of identity (e.g., ID card, passport copy/photo)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Proof of upcoming travel (ticket/itinerary)
- Belgian residence permit (if you’re a resident)
They’ll guide you through applying for a temporary passport or Emergency Travel Document (ETD) that allows you to return to your country or continue your journey.
Ask About EU Consular Assistance
If your country has no diplomatic mission in Belgium:
- Any EU embassy (e.g., French, German) may assist under EU rules.
- But your primary support should come from your own embassy or its regional representative.
🛡️ Pro Tips
- Save embassy 24/7 emergency contact numbers before traveling.
- Keep scanned copies of your passport and visa in the cloud.
- Report losses promptly—most embassies require a police report.
- If your travel is imminent, contact your embassy by phone first, then visit in person
⚠️ This information is based on official websites, publicly available sources, and experiences from expats whom we have helped. We aim to keep it accurate and up to date. If you notice any updates or have tips to share, please feel free to let us know.