If someone dies while abroad, the process can be more complicated than when a death occurs in the UK. As well as coping with your loss, you may need to deal with local authorities, official paperwork, travel arrangements and, in some cases, bringing the person home. This guide explains the main steps involved and where to find support.
The death must usually be registered in the country where it occurred, following that country's laws and procedures. You should obtain several official copies of the foreign death certificate, as they may be needed when dealing with legal, financial and administrative matters.
If the person was a British citizen, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
They can:
If travel insurance was in place, contact the insurer as soon as possible.
Many policies include:
Always check what is covered before making arrangements yourself.
Returning someone to the UK is known as repatriation.
This usually involves:
The funeral director will explain the process and help coordinate the arrangements.
Some families choose to hold the funeral or cremation in the country where the person died. This may be the person's wish or the most practical option. If ashes are being brought back to the UK, check the airline's requirements before travelling.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need:
The exact requirements vary from country to country.
The costs of dealing with a death abroad can vary significantly.
These may include:
Travel insurance may cover some or all of these expenses.
In some circumstances, a death that occurred abroad can also be registered with the UK authorities, but this is not always required.
Timescales vary depending on the country, local procedures and transport arrangements. Your funeral director or the British Embassy can advise.
Many families choose a funeral director experienced in international repatriation, as they can manage the paperwork and coordinate transport.