Kidnappings outside Canada

Find information and advice that can help you make informed and responsible decisions when travelling to a destination where there is a risk of kidnapping.

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Before you go

Before you travel outside Canada, research your destination to find out if the local situation poses an increased risk of being kidnapped.

Check the Safety and security section of our Travel Advice and Advisories to find out if there is a risk of kidnapping at your destination.

The risk can be higher if you go to a location where:

Avoid travel to destinations where there is an elevated risk of kidnapping. If you are still planning to travel to a destination where there is a risk of kidnapping, you should:

Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive information about emergencies at your destination. Some areas may be particularly high-risk at certain times. The risk of kidnapping can be higher in situations where there is armed conflict.

While you are away

If you’re in an area where there’s a risk of kidnapping:

If someone you know has been kidnapped abroad

Choose from the following options:

The Government of Canada makes every effort to assist Canadians kidnapped outside Canada, as well as their families. However, we cannot guarantee the safety of all Canadian travellers.

Situations vary from one location to another. There may be constraints that limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance. This is the case in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Canadian consular officials can:

Canadian consular officials cannot:

Engaging with media

Using social media or contacting local media to raise awareness about the kidnapping may be more harmful than helpful. For instance, media attention may let kidnappers know people are looking for them. This may increase the perceived value of the person or persons they have kidnapped. That could make the situation more dangerous, and make it more difficult to secure their release.

Missing persons

See Missing persons to find out what to do if a Canadian citizen goes missing outside Canada.

Parental child abduction

See Child abduction and parenting or custody issues if you think your child:

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