International Social Services

Through its International Tracing Services, the American Red Cross connects families separated by war, civil disturbance, natural disasters, or changing world conditions over which they have no control. Using the resources of the International Committee of the Red Cross and over 180 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, and guided by our Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality, the American Red Cross offers the following international services:

Disaster Welfare Inquiries:
Obtain information about loved ones (who are citizens of other countries) whose wellbeing is unknown due to a disaster. (Availability of this service is determined by the Red Cross society in the affected country). Inquiries about U.S.Citizens affected by disasters in other countries are handled by the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-647-5225.

Red Cross Messages:
Send personal messages to relatives (who are citizens of other countries) when contact has been lost due to conflict or changing world conditions which have disrupted communication.

Tracings:
Search for relatives (who are citizens of other countries) whose location is unknown due to conflict or changing world conditions which have caused civilians to flee their homes.

Holocaust Tracings:
Search for information about loved ones whose fate is unknown due to loss of contact during the Holocaust.

POW Messages:
Send messages to loved ones, (both members of the United States armed forces and citizens of other countries), who are being held as prisoners of war.

Certificates of Captivity:
Make application for a certificate of captivity if you are a former POW or political detainee and need documentation to substantiate your captivity or detention.

Health and Welfare Reports:
Send an inquiry about the wellbeing of an overseas relative (who is a citizen of another country) when contact with that relative has been unexpectedly lost and attempts to reestablish contact have failed. This service is intended to determine the wellbeing of especially vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, minor children, and the seriously ill.

ICRC Travel Documents:
Make an application for a single use ICRC travel document if you are a refugee or a displaced and stateless person with no appropriate identification papers, which would enable you to return to your country of origin or go to another country which is willing to receive you.

Information and Referral:
Call for guidance regarding other international situations which are outside the scope of Red Cross services including how to bring persons to the United States for medical treatment or for a family emergency; how sponsor a family member who is in a refugee camp, who to contact with concerns about U.S. citizens who are living or traveling abroad, and other international matters.

For further information please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

To contact us, please call 214.678.4800 and ask for International Services.

If you are interested in assisting with our International programs, please view our volunteer opportunities.