Armed conflict and natural disaster leave millions of people around the globe in urgent need of humanitarian assistance every year. Adding to the physical losses, the confusion and chaos surrounding war and natural disasters often separates families when they need each other most. Tragically, when families and loved ones are separated by war or disaster, their suffering is greater. But, through the strength of the Red Cross Movement and the work of tracing volunteers at national societies around the world, including the American Red Cross, families reconnect.

American Red Cross International Family Tracing Services accepts tracing cases and traces sought persons when:

• Families have been separated as a result of either armed conflict or disaster.
• As much as possible, families have tried normal channels of communication before requesting Red Cross tracing services.
• The family member making the inquiry provides essential information on the sought person.
• The family member making the inquiry is a close family relative, who has been in direct contact with the sought person before the conflict or disaster occurred.
  

To initiate a tracing request, call 1-877-287-3327.

Before calling, please have the following information available:

• Your full name and address
• Your relationship to the person sought
• The reason for loss of contact
• The reason for your inquiry
• The full name of the person you’re trying to locate along with their birth date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Last known address or general whereabouts
• The date and circumstances of last news and/or communication
  

The Red Cross cannot accept requests when there is insufficient information to conduct a search; for genealogical research; for legal matters such as wills, child custody, etc.; for situations involving adoptions; or third-party requests.

Special services are available for people tracing victims of the Holocaust through the Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center.  Contact us for more information about this service at 1-877-287-3327.

Information on other Red Cross International Services.