The death of someone close while they are overseas is likely to be a huge shock. Whether you are with them at the time or have remained at home in the UK, the prospect of navigating bereavement and death administration under another country’s rules, culture and perhaps in a different language, may feel overwhelming.
From sudden deaths caused by unknown medical conditions to deaths from accidents or crime, there is help and guidance available from UK authorities around the world. Advisers from the National Bereavement Service have put together this useful guide to what happens when someone dies overseas, and the steps you should take.
What can I do before I travel?
Nobody knows what’s around the corner. But while you’re packing your sun cream and beach towel, there are some practical steps you should take:
- Check the government’s foreign travel advice for your destination(s). Particularly in times of conflict and uncertainty, it’s important to stay informed. Check the latest foreign travel advice for your destination.
- Take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book your trip, making sure you include additional cover for activities such as skiing, winter or other sports if relevant.
Be accurate when detailing pre-existing medical conditions, even if it results in you paying a little more, and check the terms of your policy thoroughly for reassurance that you and your family or others are covered if the worst happens.
- Complete the “Emergency Contacts” section in your passport. All British passports contain a section where you can complete the details of those who should be contacted in the case of an emergency. It’s recommended that you complete this section in pencil so that it can be updated easily.
Who should I contact if someone I am travelling with dies while we’re abroad?
You should contact the local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. These official British authorities abroad will give you advice, information and guidance, but they cannot give you financial assistance. Your local office will also be able to advise on repatriation (return of a body to the UK) or local funeral customs.
Find your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate
If you’re travelling with a tour operator, contact the representative for your resort. They should be able to provide some immediate care and help, particularly larger companies which often have welfare teams to support you.
I am in the UK but someone close has died abroad. What should I do?
You should contact the local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the area where the person has died. You should also contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours), which will update you and help you to make arrangements.
How is a death overseas registered?
A death must be registered in the country where the person has died, which may be very different to the process in the UK. The death should also be registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Usually, the death should be registered in person.
Do I need to arrange a funeral abroad?
You may choose to bury or cremate the body in a local funeral overseas, to bring ashes home, or to bring the body back to the UK for a funeral at home (this is called “repatriation”).
Cremation is not possible in some countries, and the options available to you may depend on local laws and customs.
Can I bring cremated ashes back to the UK?
Most airlines permit passengers to carry cremated ashes as carry-on luggage. You should contact the airline in advance to make arrangements, and be sure to carry the Death Certificate and Cremation Certificate with you, together with any other required documentation. Documents should be translated into English if necessary.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should be able to advise you as to the documents you’ll need.
How can I repatriate the body of a person who has died abroad?
You will need to appoint an international funeral director if you wish to bring the person’s body back to the UK.
Costs of repatriation can be high. Travel insurance policies usually include costs of repatriation up to a specified amount, but otherwise the costs must be met by the family or friends of the person who has died.
Support from the National Bereavement Service
An unexpected death or the death of someone close overseas, especially if you’re not with them, can be challenging emotionally and practically.
The National Bereavement Service’s experienced bereavement advisers will give you practical help and emotional support to expertly guide you through this difficult time.
This article has been prepared by Adroit Legal Services and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
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Practical bereavement support from the National Bereavement Service
Part of Octopus Legacy, the National Bereavement Service supports anyone who has experienced a bereavement, including sudden bereavement or a death overseas, with practical and emotional information and advice from professional bereavement advisors with real, lived experience.
We help you to comply with legal requirements, signpost you to providers such as funeral directors and solicitors, and provide a listening ear that helps you through a difficult time.
For personal, confidential, and practical help following a bereavement, or for advice when planning your future, call the NBS on 0800 0246 121 or visit www.thenbs.org
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