If someone dies abroad it can seem more challenging and distressing if this happens.
If you are abroad together
If you are travelling and a loved one passes away then you need to:
- Contact the British Embassy
- Let the resort know
- Let the organisers know
You can contact family at home and they can let the local police know and assist in connecting you with the British Embassy.
If your loved one is abroad and next of kin is not
If a loved one dies abroad and you are the next of kin, the British Embassy or Consulate will contact the next of kin.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will manage the process and keep you updated with what is happening and organising arrangements.
Registering a death (abroad)
A death in another country means that the death needs to be registered where they pass. The British Embassy can guide you on the process for that country. You will also need to register the death with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK.
If you were on a ship or plane you must register the death in the country is registered to. The British Embassy can help with this information.
Bringing your loved one home
1.Obtain an English translation or version of the Death Certificate
- Obtain permission to bring the body back to the UK – this can be dealt with by the Coroner in the Country of passing.
- Inform a coroner in the UK if a investigation needs to be conducted.
Once returning to the UK you must take the Death Certificate to be registered and organise the Funeral.
Bringing cremated remains home from overseas
In order to bring ashes back to the UK you will need a Death Certificate and Certificate of Cremation. You may need to check the process of the Country as it may change from Country to Country.