Dying Abroad And Repatriation

What To Do When Someone Dies Abroad

When someone dies abroad and needs repatriating, it can be a difficult time for all those involved which is why we’ve created this guide to help you through the process.

What do you do when someone dies abroad and you’re with them?

If you’re travelling or holidaying abroad with someone and they pass away, the first step you need to take is contacting the nearest British embassy or High Commission/Consulate. In addition to this, you will need to let a resort representative be aware of the situation as well as the tour operator. If you are staying in accommodation that hasn’t been organised by an operator, you should make contact with the local police force in order to take the necessary steps according to international law. You must register a death with the local authorities in the country where the person died.

You must register a death with the local authorities in the country where the person died and in many countries, you can register the death with the UK authorities. To bring the body home you must follow these steps:

• Get a certified English translation of the death certificate
• Receive permission to remove the body, issued by a coroner (or equivalent) in the country where the person died
• Tell a coroner in England if the death was violent or unnatural

To find out what you need to do in the specific country where the person died, you can see more information on the government website.

What do you do when someone dies abroad and you’re not with them?

The British consulate in the country where the person has died is legally required to inform the next-of-kin (you may find out from the police force or British embassy). If you’re notified about the death by someone else, for example, a tour operator, you should phone the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) who’ll be able to keep you informed and help with arrangements.

If your loved one was cremated abroad, but you want to bring their ashes home, you’ll need two documents:

• Death certificate
• Certificate of Cremation

When dealing with death abroad and the repatriation process afterwards, a UK-based funeral director will work with you, an overseas funeral director and the British Consulate or Embassy to organise the necessary documentation and transport of the deceased to the UK.

What else do you need to think about?

When someone has died abroad and the cause of death has been confirmed by a GP or coroner, you will then need to register their death. Once the death has been registered, you will receive a Certificate for Burial or Cremation and the next steps will be guided by your funeral director. You will be responsible for the travel costs and overseas funeral directors’ fees