(Reference Office: D.G.IT. – Protection Unit)
This matter is regulated at national level by Law No. 203 of November 14, 2012 (Provisions relating to the search for missing people), which stipulates that anyone who becomes aware of a person’s departure from their home or place of temporary residence, and, given the circumstances in which this occurred, believes that the disappearance may pose a danger to the person’s life or personal safety, may report the fact to the police.
In case of missing fellow citizens abroad, a report shall be filed with the local police station or the competent Carabinieri station, ensuring that the report is entered into the SIS/Schengen and Interpol databases, so that the foreign police authorities can be alerted. A copy of the report shall be sent to the consular office with territorial jurisdiction and, for information, to the Protection Unit of the Directorate-General for Italians Abroad and Immigration Policies (dgit.tutela@esteri.it ).
Once the missing person report has been obtained, the consular office shall inform the local authorities and follow the progress of the search. The Office will also be available to provide any consular assistance to family members.
Please note that information concerning Italian citizens abroad can be provided in compliance with current legislation on the protection of personal data (Legislative Decree No. 196/2003 and EU Regulation 2016/679), which in most cases requires the consent of the person being searched for.