Child Abduction

What is child abduction?

Child abduction occurs when a child is removed from a country unlawfully, i.e. in contravention of the parental responsibility/custody rights of one of the parents. The term also covers cases where a child is retained abroad following a holiday or access visit. It does not cover cases where a child is kidnapped by strangers, including where a ransom is demanded, and such cases are therefore not considered further on these pages.

Emergency situations

Here you will find information on what you should do if a child of whom you have custody is about to be taken out of the country without your consent.

Assistance from the Norwegian authorities

The assistance provided by the Norwegian authorities varies depending on whether or not the child has been abducted from/to a country that has joined one of the international child abduction conventions. The information on these pages has therefore been divided into two categories: convention countries and non-convention countries. The primary points of contact for assistance are the Ministry of Justice and the Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian police.

Child abduction from Norway to another country – country overview

Click here to see whether your child has been abducted to a country that has joined a child abduction convention.

Child abduction from another country to Norway – country overview

Click here to see whether your child has been abducted from a country that has joined a child abduction convention.

Custody and travelling abroad with children

This section is for lawyers and others looking for more detailed information on custody and travelling abroad with children.

Useful Web Pages

Contact information

Ministry of Justice and the Police
Tel.: +47 22 24 54 51
postmottak@jd.dep.no 


Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tel.: +47 22 24 38 99
post@mfa.no 


The Norwegian Police
When calling from Norway:
The closest police station: 02800 
Police emergency number: 112

When calling from abroad:
Tel.: +47 22 66 90 50   
 
The National Criminal Investigation Service
Tel.: +47 23 20 88 88
post.kripos.desken@politiet.no