A non-Hague country is a country that has not joined the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction or that is not in a treaty relationship with the United States under the Convention. When a child is taken to a non-Hague country the Hague Convention return process is not available.

Non-Hague country abductions are among the most difficult international family law situations. Without treaty obligation the foreign country is not required to return the child.

Prevention is the most important tool in non-Hague country abduction risk cases. Passport controls, travel restrictions, bonds for safe return, and specific parenting plan provisions can reduce the risk before an abduction occurs.