Missing Persons - Missing abroad – Consular support from the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs is regularly contacted by families and friends of Irish citizens who are concerned for the whereabouts of their loved ones abroad. The Department advises family members or friends who may have particular concerns to make a missing person report at their local Garda station.

An Garda Síochána engages with Interpol which transmits missing person reports to the Interpol Central Bureau of the country in which the individual is presumed missing and liaises with the relevant authorities of that country - investigations into missing persons in other jurisdictions are generally the responsibility of police services.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic offices abroad can liaise with the relevant authorities of other jurisdictions to make enquires about the progress of case, where appropriate. Many missing person cases are resolved quickly, however a small number of missing person cases abroad may result in full investigations. The Department of Foreign Affairs can be contacted for consular assistance Monday to Friday, from 09:00-17:00, or, in case of emergency, outside office hours on 01 408 2000. Additional information is available at www.dfa.ie/travel/assistance-abroad/missing-person/.

The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Charter outlines the type of help the Department can provide and is available at www.dfa.ie/travel/our-services/consular-assistance-charter.