PRINT

Going on a trip this summer? A refresher on consular protection for EU citizens

21.07.2022
Brussels
Press and information team of the Delegation to Mauritius and Seychelles

Have you planned a well-deserved holiday outside the EU this summer? Here are some of the things you need to know before heading to the airport.

EEAS picture flight departures - Consular protection

If something goes wrong abroad, the EU is here for you

If you get into serious difficulties somewhere outside the EU, and your own EU country doesn’t have an embassy or consulate there, you can get help from another EU country.

You will be treated the same way as a citizen of the EU country helping you. That is one of your fundamental rights as EU citizen.

What can this mean in practice?

  • Lost or stolen passport or ID card? The other EU country can issue emergency travel documents - single-journey documents, in general enabling you to return to Europe.
  • Serious accident or illness? The other EU country may help contact your insurance company, family or friends for you.
  • Victim of a crime? The other EU country may assist you and advise on the next steps.

You can take some simple steps to facilitate this

  • Follow the travel advice and instructions from your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, register your presence abroad if applicable.
  • Check if your country has an embassy or a consulate where you are travelling.
  • No embassy or consulate? Find one of another EU country on our dedicated platform or via the EU Delegations. Save their contact information.  

You can help us spread the word

You did not know about your right to consular protection as an EU citizen? You think your family, friends and followers could also benefit from a refresher?