diff --git a/lisp/image-mode.el b/lisp/image-mode.el
index d7dfb4336b..69af538aa7 100644
--- a/lisp/image-mode.el
+++ b/lisp/image-mode.el
@@ -1196,8 +1196,9 @@ image-mode--directory-buffers
   "Return an alist of type/buffer for all \"parent\" buffers to image FILE.
 This is normally a list of Dired buffers, but can also be archive and
 tar mode buffers."
-  (let ((buffers nil)
-        (dir (file-name-directory file)))
+  (let* ((non-essential t) ; Do not block for remote buffers.
+         (buffers nil)
+         (dir (file-name-directory file)))
     (cond
      ((and (boundp 'tar-superior-buffer)
 	   tar-superior-buffer)