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  2. Someone has been kidnapped

Someone has been kidnapped

Last Updated
Wednesday, 04/01/2023

There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in many parts of the world. Motivations of kidnappers differ, but may include:

  • kidnapping for ransom or financial gain
  • kidnapping for ideological reasons
  • kidnapping for political reasons
  • kidnapping by pirates

This page provides general advice about what to do if you find out an Australian friend or family member has been kidnapped overseas. It covers:

  • how to report an overseas kidnapping
  • ransom and demands from kidnappers
  • the Australian Government's role when an Australian is kidnapped overseas

If you can't contact an Australian overseas and there is no evidence of kidnapping, the person may be missing. See our advice on what to do if an Australian is missing overseas.

Report a kidnapping

Kidnapping is a crime. Report all crimes to the local authorities. Local police contacts are under 'emergency contacts' on each destination's travel advisory.

Also report the kidnapping to the 24-hour consular emergency centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 from within Australia

There are limits to how and when the Australian Government can assist when someone is kidnapped overseas. See the Consular Services Charter.

Ransom and demands

Kidnappers are often motivated by money. They can also be motivated by ideological or political reasons. 

If you choose to concede to their demands, it doesn't always result in the victims release. Kidnappers don't always honour agreements.

The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Ransom

The kidnappers may demand a ransom from you to release the victim. Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee the kidnappers will release the victim.

Some kidnappers make further demands once you've paid.

The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers, many of whom are associated with terrorist groups, can be used to fund subsequent terrorist attacks. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.

Demands

The kidnappers may make demands. This could be as well as or instead of money. They may demand concessions from the local government, such as the release of a prisoner. The prisoner could be a terrorist, political prisoner or general criminal.

The Australian Government does not concede to kidnapper demands, under any circumstances.

The Australian Government's role

The Australian Government may be severely limited in its ability to provide consular assistance in

  • destinations where we advise against all travel and don't have a mission in-country
  • places where the security situation is particularly dangerous or access is difficult

For more information about the Australian Government's kidnapping policy, contact Consular Services. 

What we can do when someone is kidnapped overseas

If an Australian is kidnapped, the Australian Government works closely with the government of the country in which the kidnapping has taken place, to try to resolve the situation. We will inform families about what they can expect and provide them with clear and timely updates to help them make informed decisions.

What the Australian Government can't do

The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers, many of whom are associated with terrorist groups, can be used to fund subsequent terrorist attacks. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.

  • we can't pay ransoms or concede to demands
  • we can't pass on demands to (or influence the decisions of) a foreign government
  • we can't give you legal advice
  • we can't conduct criminal investigations overseas

Where to get help

You can get help from the local authorities in the victim's destination. Local police contacts are on each destination's travel advisory.

You can get consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact an Australian diplomatic mission, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

Read more

  • Understand how and when Consular Services can help
  • Read about travelling with children
  • What to do when an Australian is missing overseas

See also

  • Read the Attorney General's information about international parental child abduction
  • ASIO's Business and Government Liaison Unit provides intelligence-based information on matters affecting the security of Australian businesses.
  • Contact Lifeline Australia if someone know has been kidnapped and you need personal support

Related content

Reducing the risk of piracy

Piracy is a major issue around the world. Explore this page to learn about high risk areas for piracy, how to reduce your risk and where to get help.

View details
Reducing the risk of kidnapping

There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in many parts of the world. Explore this page to learn about reducing the risk of kidnapping, before you go.

View details

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Emergency consular assistance

The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance.

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 from within Australia

For how we can help you overseas see the Consular Services Charter.

Enquiries and feedback

For non-urgent enquiries, or to provide feedback on consular services that you've recently received, contact us online.

For information on notarial services, email legalisations.australia@dfat.gov.au

For information about Australian visas, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

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  • HomeHome
  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Planning to travel during COVID-19: step by step
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      • Armed conflict
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      • Kidnapping
      • Natural disasters
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      • Piracy
      • Scams
      • Severe weather
      • Sexual assault
      • Terrorism
      • Theft and robbery
    • Laws
      • Carrying or using drugs
      • Child sex offences
      • Female genital mutilation
      • Forced marriage
    • Getting around
      • Air travel
      • Boat travel
      • Cruising
      • Public transport
      • Road safety
  • Destinations
    • View all destinations
    • AfricaBrowse destinations in Africa.
    • AmericasBrowse all destinations in the Americas.
    • AsiaBrowse all destinations in Asia.
    • EuropeBrowse all destinations in Europe.
    • Middle EastBrowse all destinations in the Middle East.
    • PacificBrowse all destinations in the Pacific.
  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
      • Medical assistance
      • Money problems
      • Someone is missing
      • Someone died
    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
      • Kidnapped
      • Robbed or mugged
      • Scammed
      • Sexually assaulted
    • Crisis or emergency
      • Demonstration
      • Armed conflict
      • Earthquake
      • Severe weather
      • Terrorist situation
      • Volcanic eruption
      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent helpLinks to help
  • Our servicesLinks to services
    • Consular Services Charter
      • Arabic
      • Chinese Simplified
      • Chinese Traditional
      • Indonesian
      • Thai
      • Vietnamese
    • Travel advice explained
    • Subscription
    • Crises
    • Passport services
    • Notarial services
      • Documents
      • Documents in Australia
      • Documents overseas
      • Certificate of No Impediment
      • Notarial forms
    • Voting overseas
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      • العربية (Arabic)
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      • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
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      • Indian community
    • Resources
      • Consular State of Play
      • CHOICE travel insurance guide
      • Fact sheet: Travel Smart
      • Fact sheet: Missing overseas
      • Fact sheet: Arrested or jailed overseas
      • Fact sheet: Sexual assault overseas
      • Fact sheet: Death overseas
      • Consular Privacy Collection Statement