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.

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:

there is conflict such as a war, violent demonstrations or violent local disputes
terrorists and militant groups are present
crime rates are high and foreigners are seen as wealthy and easy targets

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:

manage your social media accounts by:
- turning on their privacy settings
- not posting public messages during your trip
- removing photos, comments or other material from your social media accounts and electronic devices that local groups could consider controversial or provocative
  - you may be targeted if you are seen as an enemy of a cause
avoid situations that could put you at risk, such as:
- displaying wealth, such as jewellery and expensive clothing
- accepting offers of romantic or business opportunities from people you meet online
keep contact with a person or persons you trust who will:
- have access to a detailed itinerary of your travel plans
- plan to have regularly scheduled check-ups with you and, if needed, track your location through your electronic devices or SIM card
- be the point of contact if you are taken hostage or detained
- agree on specific questions that only you can answer
- have access to important documents
- have login details to access online information to manage your personal affairs should you be unable
talk to a professional security organization, your host organization or employer about:
- a thorough security risk assessment
- having personal security measures in place when you arrive

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:

regularly check in with your trusted person or persons
always be aware of your surroundings:
- watch local news
- look for suspicious or unusual activity in your surroundings
only let people you know or who you can identify into your residence or hotel room
avoid going to isolated areas with people you don’t know or trust
don’t discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information where strangers can hear you
avoid predictable travel routines by changing your regular transportation routes and times of travel
only use ATMs during daylight, and only use ATMs that are located inside banks, hotels and shopping centres
only use licenced taxi services
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

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:

work closely with local authorities and, in some cases, Canadian authorities, to gather information
maintain contact with a friend or family member of the victim to keep them informed of any developments

Canadian consular officials cannot:

pay ransoms or concede to demands
give legal advice
provide personal security and protection

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:

is in danger of being abducted and taken out of Canada
was abducted abroad
is being kept from coming back to Canada by the other parent or legal guardian

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