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Consular Assistance
If you encounter problems which require consular assistance (due to loss of travel documents, emergency repatriation etc.), contact a Luxembourg diplomatic or consular representative or failing that, a Belgian diplomatic or consular representative . If there are no Luxembourg or Belgian representatives in the country contact a representative of a European Union member state .
What Consular Assistance, be it the Embassy (consular branch) or the Honorary Consular, can offer:
1) In the event of loss or theft of a document the Consulate can:
obtain certificates in the event of loss or theft of documents, passport, national identity card or driving licence on presentation of a statement first being made by the local police authorities. It can also, after carrying out the necessary checks, issue you with a permit in order to allow you alone to return to Luxembourg, or in the event of financial difficulties the Consul can inform you about the most efficient way for your relatives to quickly send you the money you need.Under exceptional and duly justified circumstances, the Consulate can issue you with a passport valid for one year to allow you to continue your journey.
2) In the event of a serious accident the Consulate can:
notify your family and help it plan the steps to be taken: hospitalisation or repatriation (you are strongly advised to take out repatriation insurance as you will be responsible for the costs incurred).
3) In the event of your arrest or imprisonment:
you can request that the Consulate be informed. The Consul can enquire as to reason for your arrest. If you agree, he/she will notify your family and obtain the necessary permits to allow them to visit you.The Consul will check the conditions under which you are being detained and that they comply with local laws. In order to provide you with legal assistance, the Consul will offer you the option of a lawyer to defend you. (the lawyer's fees shall be your responsibility).
4) In the event of exceptionally serious difficulties with the local authorities or individuals the Consul can:
provide you with advice and useful addresses (local officials, lawyers, interpreters, etc.).
5) In the event of death the Consulate:
will contact your family to inform them and advise them of legal procedures for repatriation or burial of remains or ashes. The costs are borne either by the family or the insurance company of the deceased.
What Consular Assistance cannot offer:
- Repatriation using with State funds except in an exceptionally serious case and subject to reimbursement at a later date.
- Payment of a fine, your hotel bill, your hospital bill or any other expense which you incur.
- Lending of money without a guarantee being set up beforehand.
- Provision of a passport at short notice.
- Intervention in judicial proceedings in order to secure your release if you are involved in a legal case or accused of a crime committed in the territory of the host country.
- Acting as travel agents, the banking system or insurance companies.
- Officially ensuring your consular protection if you have dual nationality with the country which you are visiting.
If Luxembourg does not have a diplomatic mission in the country, you can contact the Belgian Consulate, or failing that, the diplomatic representative of another European Union state.