Missing U.S. Citizens Abroad

Travelers may not always stay in contact with their friends and families because of time differences, busy schedules, or poor connectivity. 

• Send a text message: Texting may work better than calling when trying to contact a missing person abroad. If the person has Wi-Fi access, they may still be able to receive texts even without cell phone service.
• Use messaging apps: If they have Internet access, messaging apps work better when cellphone networks are unreliable. WhatsApp, Discord, and Signal, for instance, have become very popular, especially among younger travelers. Apps such as these can support calls, voice messages, as well as read receipts, which can help you know if your messages are getting through.
• Use social media: Check for recent activity or posts on any social media accounts they may have. Send direct messages or consider posting a public message to ask for information. But avoid sharing too many personal details publicly and ask that any responses be sent via direct messages. Identity thieves and scammers might see a public message and try to take advantage.

• Contact travel companions and close friends: These people may have up to date information. They may also be able to pass along a message to your loved one. 

Keep contact information and a copy of their travel itinerary with you. This includes what flights they are taking and at which hotels they are staying.

• Contact their hotel, school, or the organization they are working with: These places may not give detailed information to you due to privacy considerations. But they can often pass messages along. 

• Contact their tour operator: Tour operators with offices in the United States may have more information. They may be able to pass along a message, even if they are limited in what they can share back with you due to privacy considerations. 

If you are worried about a U.S. citizen relative or friend who is traveling or living abroad who isn’t responding to calls or messages, you can contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. The U.S. embassy or consulate can work with local authorities to find and help U.S. citizens in a crisis.

Our team abroad can use the information you provide to try to locate the U.S. citizen and pass on your message. We may also ask local authorities. We can check for reports of a U.S. citizen hospitalized or arrested.  We can also assist a U.S. citizen who needs help reaching out. The more information you provide about your loved one, the better we can help.

Even if we can reach your loved one, we may not be able to share information without their written consent. Please visit the Privacy Act for additional information.

If you can’t reach the U.S. embassy or consulate, you can call our Office of Overseas Citizen Services:

• From the U.S. or Canada, dial 1-888-407-4747.  
• Outside the United States, dial +1-202-501-4444.

During a significant crisis when many people need help, the Department of State may set up special contact instructions. 

If you think your loved one is in danger, call the local police for the area where they are staying:

• Each U.S. embassy and consulate for your destination has local emergency numbers on their websites.  
• Find out what the local police can do to help. 
• Give the local police as many details as you can about your loved one and their plans.

Some organizations, such as the International Red Cross work to find people who are abroad. They may have local contacts in the area and can help locating someone.