A family member is missing — do I have to wait 24 hours before reporting?
No. The 24-hour rule is a myth in every EU country: report to Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePolice (suisse-epolice.ch) as soon as you are worried, especially for a child, an elderly person, someone ill or someone in crisis. Bring a recent photo, a description of clothes, the phone number and any recent messages. Polizei / Schweizerische Stiftung für vermisste Kinder 116 000 (116 000) is the missing-persons line for Switzerland — it supports families, coordinates appeals and works with the police. Opferhilfe Schweiz (kantonale Beratungsstellen) (opferhilfe-schweiz.ch) is there for the family in the days after.
🗣️ What to say
"I want to report [name], [age], missing since [date, time]. Last seen at [place] wearing [clothes]. [Medical condition / vulnerability / recent crisis.] Phone [number], last contact [when]. Photo attached. I am worried because [reason]."
🪜 Step by step
- Report now: Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePolicePhone or in person; for a child or a vulnerable person, the emergency number. Give the "worry factors" — they set the priority.
- Check the obvious in parallelFriends, hospitals, the last known place. Keep a list of who you have called.
- Phone and accountsLast location from shared apps, last message, recent transactions — ask the police what they can request.
- Missing-persons line: Polizei / Schweizerische Stiftung für vermisste Kinder 116 000They help with public appeals and keep contact with the police for the family.
- A child abroadThe EU number 116 000 connects to the child-hotline in every member state.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
They are an adult and left voluntarily
Adults may go missing by choice; the police check they are safe and, if they wish, tell you only that. A vulnerability or a crisis changes the response — say it.
Can I post an appeal on social media?
Coordinate with the police and Polizei / Schweizerische Stiftung für vermisste Kinder 116 000 first; a badly timed appeal can cause harm or be impossible to take down later.
What happens when they are found?
The police inform you, with the person's consent for an adult. Support for the family and the person continues through Opferhilfe Schweiz (kantonale Beratungsstellen).
📎 Sources
- Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePolice →
- Polizei / Schweizerische Stiftung für vermisste Kinder 116 000 →
- Opferhilfe Schweiz (kantonale Beratungsstellen) →
- Pro Juventute 147 →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “report missing person Switzerland”
- “missing person 24 hours myth”
- “child missing what to do Switzerland”
- “116 000 missing children”
- “missing family member police”
🧭 Is this still correct?
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