When Someone Dies Abroad
Losing someone is difficult enough without the added complexity of dealing with foreign legal systems, language barriers, and international logistics. Around 6,000 UK nationals die abroad each year, and the process of bringing them home or arranging a funeral overseas can feel overwhelming. This guide explains exactly what to do, step by step.
~6,000
UK nationals die abroad each year
3-6 weeks
Typical repatriation time
£3,000-£10,000+
Repatriation cost range
What to do, step by step
Contact the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
The FCDO operates a 24/7 helpline on +44 20 7008 5000. They can help with local procedures, contact family members on your behalf, and provide guidance on repatriation. They will assign a consular officer who can liaise with local authorities, help identify the person, and put you in touch with local funeral directors and translators. Contact them as soon as possible.
Get a local death certificate
The death must be registered in the country where it happened. The local British consulate can guide you through this process. You will need the local death certificate translated into English and legalised (apostilled) before it can be used in the UK. The consulate can recommend approved translators. Keep multiple copies of the translated certificate, as UK banks and institutions will each need one.
Decide: repatriation or local funeral
Repatriation (bringing the body back to the UK) typically costs between £3,000 and £10,000 or more, depending on the country. This includes embalming, a zinc-lined coffin, air freight, and extensive paperwork. A local burial or cremation in the country where the person died is often significantly cheaper and can be arranged more quickly. There is no legal requirement to bring the body home. Consider the person's wishes and what the family can afford.
Arrange repatriation
If you choose repatriation, use a specialist international funeral director. The FCDO can provide a list of experienced firms. The body must be embalmed, placed in a zinc-lined coffin, and accompanied by paperwork including a freedom from infection certificate, the local death certificate, and customs clearance documents. The funeral director will handle most of this, but expect the process to take 3 to 6 weeks.
Check travel insurance
Most travel insurance policies cover repatriation costs, typically between £5,000 and £25,000. Contact the insurer immediately and provide the policy number and details of what happened. Keep every receipt for expenses including flights, accommodation, phone calls, and translation fees. If the person was on a package holiday, the tour operator may also assist with costs and logistics.
Register the death in the UK
Registering the death in the UK is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended so there is a permanent UK record. You register at the General Register Office (GRO), not at your local register office. You can do this by post by sending the foreign death certificate (with a certified English translation) to the GRO. There is a fee for a UK death certificate. This UK registration does not replace the local registration abroad.
Bring personal belongings home
The FCDO can help arrange the return of personal effects such as jewellery, clothing, and documents. In some countries, personal belongings may be held by the police or local authorities, especially if there is an investigation. You may need customs clearance to bring items back to the UK. The consulate can advise on what paperwork is needed and whether there are any local restrictions.
If the death involved suspicious circumstances
If someone dies in suspicious circumstances abroad, a local police investigation will take place. This can significantly delay repatriation, sometimes by months. The FCDO will keep you updated on the progress of any investigation, but they cannot intervene in foreign legal processes. You may want to seek legal advice from a solicitor with experience in international cases.
Country-specific considerations
EU and EEA countries
The European Certificate of Death can simplify cross-border procedures. Many EU countries have well-established processes for dealing with foreign nationals, and English-speaking consular staff are usually available. Repatriation from EU countries tends to be faster and less expensive than from more distant destinations.
USA and Canada
Both countries have well-established repatriation procedures. The British consulate or embassy will assist with local requirements. Be aware that some US states require a mandatory autopsy for certain types of death, which can add time to the process. Costs tend to be higher due to distance.
Popular holiday destinations (Spain, France, Greece, Turkey)
UK consulates in popular tourist areas handle these cases regularly and are experienced with the process. Tour operators can often provide significant practical help, especially if the person was on a package holiday. Repatriation from these countries is usually straightforward.
Countries with mandatory autopsy requirements
Some countries, including certain US states and India, require a mandatory post-mortem examination for unexpected or unnatural deaths. This can delay repatriation by several weeks. The local consulate will keep you informed about the timeline and can help expedite the process where possible.
Common questions
Do I need to register the death in the UK?
It is not legally required, but it is recommended. Registering the death with the General Register Office creates a permanent UK record, which can make dealing with UK institutions, probate, and pensions much simpler. You can register by post.
Who pays for repatriation?
The family or the deceased person's estate pays for repatriation. Travel insurance may cover most or all of the costs. The FCDO does not pay for repatriation. If the person had no insurance and the family cannot afford it, a local burial or cremation is usually the most practical option.
Can I arrange a funeral in the country where they died?
Yes, and it is often significantly cheaper than repatriation. The local British consulate can help find funeral directors and advise on local customs and legal requirements. Many families choose a local cremation and then bring the ashes home, which is simpler and less expensive than repatriating a body.
What if they had no travel insurance?
You will need to fund repatriation yourself or choose a local funeral. Some charities, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Association, may be able to help in exceptional circumstances. The FCDO can arrange an interest-free loan to cover essential costs in cases of extreme financial hardship, but this must be repaid.
How long does repatriation take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks. The process can take longer if there is a post-mortem examination, a criminal investigation, or if the country has complex bureaucratic procedures. Countries with mandatory autopsies or those where the death was unexpected may add several weeks to the timeline.
Can I fly out to be with them?
Yes. The FCDO can help with emergency travel documents if your passport has expired or you do not have one. If you need to travel urgently, the consulate can issue an Emergency Travel Document. Some travel insurance policies also cover the cost of a family member travelling out to deal with arrangements.
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Support & Helplines
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