I say, and with God's success: It is permissible for him to perform tayammum, and he is not required to search for it, except if he suspects it is nearby, in which case he should search for it to the extent of a distance. The method of searching is to look to his right, left, in front of him, and behind him at a distance; he is not obliged to walk, but it is sufficient for him to look in these directions while he remains in his place. This is if there is nothing around him that conceals it from him. However, if there is a small mountain nearby, he should climb it and look around, provided he does not fear any harm. Refer to: Al-Bahr Al-Ra'iq 1: 168, Al-Durr Al-Mukhtar 1: 230, Sharh Al-Wiqayah p.112, Al-Muhit Al-Burhani p.281, and God knows best.