As a seasoned traveller, I’ve explored far-flung cities, slept under starlit skies, and boarded more spontaneous buses than I can count. And while travel is one of life’s greatest joys, it can also come with moments of fear — none more so than when someone you love goes missing abroad.
It’s one of those things we think happens to “other people.” Until it doesn’t.
Whether your partner disappears while hiking in the Andes, your friend goes silent during a Southeast Asia backpacking trip, or your sibling misses a scheduled check-in from Europe, this guide is here to help. It’s practical, clear, and — most importantly — filled with hope.
Here’s what to do if a loved one goes missing while travelling, no matter where in the world they are.
Pause, Breathe, and Stay Grounded
Your first instinct will be panic. That’s completely normal. But your clarity and calm are the most valuable tools you have right now.
Ask yourself:
When was the last confirmed communication? What were their travel plans? Is a delay in contact unusual for them? Were they travelling alone or with others?
Start by ruling out minor delays or technical issues before assuming the worst — but don’t ignore your instincts. If it feels off, act.
Try Every Channel of Communication
Call, text, and message via platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger.
Check for activity on social media — any posts, stories, likes, or comments. Email, especially if they use it frequently for work or updates.
Contact accommodation providers (hotel, hostel, Airbnb host). Ring up travel companions or people they may have met along the way.
Try calling local transport providers if they were booked on a bus, train, or tour.
Tip: A quick Instagram or Facebook post asking for information — especially in local travel forums — can spread fast and reach people on the ground.
Contact Local Authorities Where They Were Last Seen
If your loved one hasn’t been in touch and you’re concerned, reach out to the police in the city or region they were last known to be in.
To do this:
Search for “[City Name] police department” or “Tourist Police [Country Name]”.
Provide full name, recent photos, passport info (if available), and a timeline of their last known movements. Mention any health issues, medications, or mental health considerations they may have.
If there’s a language barrier, use a translator app or contact your embassy/consulate for help in translating and relaying details.
Contact Their Home Country’s Embassy or Consulate
This is crucial. Every country has embassies and consulates abroad that are equipped to handle emergencies like missing persons.
Call the embassy or consulate of their home country in the location they were last seen. If you’re not sure where to start, use the EmbassyPages Directory to find the correct one.
They can assist with locating them, checking hospitals, detention centres, or helping file police reports. Some embassies will issue a formal Missing Person Declaration.
Major Embassy Emergency Contact Pages:
USA
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
EU Citizens: Contact any EU embassy; under EU law, you’re entitled to assistance from any EU member state's consulate if your home country has none in that location.
Reach Out to Missing Persons Organisations
There are incredible international and country-specific charities that assist in finding missing people:
INTERPOL - maintains Yellow Notices for international missing persons.
Red Cross Restoring Family Links
Missing People UK
National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (US)
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (Australia)
These organisations can help coordinate international appeals, connect you with law enforcement and provide emotional and legal support
Launch a Social Media Appeal
A well-crafted post can go viral in the best way when someone is missing. Here's what to include:
A recent, clear photo. Full name, age, height, and any identifying features. Last known location and time/date of disappearance. Their intended destination or plan. Contact details for anyone who has information.
Post it on:
Facebook (especially travel groups for the region)
Instagram (using geotags and regional hashtags)
Reddit (try subs like r/travel or local country subreddits)
X/Twitter, TikTok, WhatsApp groups
Bonus Tip: Ask local travellers or expats to share your post — word spreads faster that way.
Keep a Detailed Record
Start a digital or physical notebook and log:
Every call made, who you spoke to, and when. Every message sent. Reference numbers from police or consulate. Screenshots of social media posts and replies.
This will be critical if an official investigation begins or if you need to prove steps taken for legal or visa purposes.
Travel to the Area (If Safe and Feasible)
Being physically present can help speed things up:
Visit hostels, cafes, train stations, hospitals, or police departments. Print and post flyers with contact information and photos. Talk to locals — sometimes word-of-mouth can reveal clues quickly
Make sure you’re safe, especially if the region is experiencing unrest or political tension. Consider taking someone with you or hiring a local guide.
Look After Yourself
You matter in this process. Your wellbeing is not a luxury — it's essential.
Eat, hydrate, and rest whenever you can. Lean on others for emotional support. Contact helplines or support services. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it. Take breaks from the news or social media if it becomes overwhelming.
Keep Hope Alive, Even in the Silence
Disappearing while travelling doesn’t always mean danger. Phones break. Buses get delayed. People go off-grid without realising the panic they cause.
But even if the silence stretches, you are not helpless. You are not alone. There are thousands of people around the world — from officials to strangers online — who care, who help, and who are ready to support you.
Prepare for the Unimaginable, Even If It Never Comes
The truth is, travel is filled with the unknown. But knowing what to do when the unimaginable happens doesn’t take away the magic — it makes you braver and wiser. Because in the end, the best travel stories are the ones where everyone comes home.
Share your itinerary with someone back home. Agree on regular check-ins, even if it’s just a quick emoji. Keep copies of ID, insurance, and contact info stored securely in the cloud. Download offline maps and embassy contact details before travelling.
To those currently searching for someone: take heart. This world is still full of kindness, even in its darkest corners. Keep asking questions. Keep holding on. Help is closer than you think.
