Losing someone away from home is heartbreaking and bewildering. On top of grief, you may be faced with an unfamiliar language, local rules you don’t recognise and urgent decisions about paperwork, money and travel. It can feel overwhelming — but there is clear help available from local authorities, British consular staff, insurers and experienced funeral directors.
This guide gives you calm, practical steps to follow from the UK perspective. You’ll learn who to call first, how to confirm and register the death, how to contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, and what to tell the travel insurer or tour operator. We’ll outline your choices between a local funeral overseas or bringing your loved one home, the documents you’ll need, and where costs may arise — with tips on possible financial support.
What follows is a straightforward, step‑by‑step checklist aligned with current UK guidance, plus plain‑English explanations for special situations (such as coroner involvement, post‑mortems and organ donation), faith and cultural considerations, bringing ashes home, and essential aftercare once you’re back in the UK. We also explain how a simple, dignified direct cremation can work if you choose to arrange the funeral here. When you’re ready, start at Step 1.
Step 1. Make sure everyone is safe and obtain medical confirmation of death
First, focus on immediate safety and calm. If you’re with the person overseas, call the local emergency number so professionals can attend. The hospital, a local doctor or the police will usually confirm the death and explain next steps, and they (or your tour operator) can advise how to register the death locally. If you’re notified while in the UK, you can move to Step 2 to involve the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
- Call local emergency services: Ask hotel staff, hosts or guides to help if needed.
- Seek medical confirmation: A local doctor/hospital will confirm the death before any registration.
- Follow official instructions: Cooperate with police and medical teams on what to do next.
- Protect documents: Keep passports and travel papers safe and accessible.
- Note key details: Full name, date of birth, passport number and issue details for later paperwork.
- Ask for support: Notify a trusted friend/family member or tour representative to assist you.
Step 2. Contact local authorities and the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate
Once a doctor or hospital has confirmed the death, make contact with official channels. If you’re abroad, reach out to the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate; if you’re in the UK, call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 24/7 on 020 7008 1500. Consular staff can explain local processes, help you communicate with police and hospitals, advise on registering the death, and put you in touch with reputable funeral directors, including those experienced in repatriation. They cannot pay for funeral or repatriation costs, but they will guide you through what to do when someone dies abroad.
- Call the nearest British mission: Ask for consular assistance and next steps.
- If in the UK, call the FCDO (24/7): 020 7008 1500.
- Provide essential details: Full name, date of birth, passport number and issue details, and next‑of‑kin information.
- Ask about registering the death: What paperwork is required locally and in English.
- Request referrals: International funeral directors, translators and local legal guidance.
- Raise concerns: Consular staff can advise how to flag any suspicious circumstances with local authorities.
Step 3. Tell the travel insurer and tour operator (if applicable)
Contact the travel insurer as soon as possible and use their 24/7 emergency assistance number. Many policies cover repatriation and practical help such as local assistance, translation and arranging an international funeral director. If the death occurred on a package holiday, inform the tour operator’s resort rep — larger operators often have welfare teams to liaise with hospitals, police and consular staff.
- Have details ready: Policy number, the deceased’s full name, date of birth and passport details.
- Get authorisation first: Ask the insurer for written approval and follow their appointed providers before agreeing to costs.
- Keep every receipt: Hospital, transport, translation and document fees for any claim.
- Check limits and exclusions: Confirm excesses and pre‑existing condition clauses.
- If no cover applies: Be prepared that you may need to meet costs yourself — the FCDO cannot pay for funerals or repatriation.
Step 4. Confirm who is next of kin and the main point of contact
Clear decision‑making avoids delays at a difficult time. Identify the legal next of kin or the named executor (if there’s a will) and agree one main point of contact for hospitals, police, the insurer, the funeral director and the British embassy or consulate. Consular staff and, if you’re in the UK, the police are usually involved in notifying next of kin and will ask who is authorised to make arrangements and accept costs.
- Agree a single lead: One person to speak for the family and record decisions.
- Prove relationship/authority: Keep passports/ID, proof of relationship and any will or executor paperwork handy.
- Give written consent: Authorise release of information, remains and personal effects; nominate who will pay invoices.
- Share contact details: Provide phone and email for the lead contact to all agencies.
- Resolve disputes early: The consulate cannot decide family disagreements; seek legal advice if needed to avoid delays.
Step 5. Register the death in the country where it happened and obtain certificates
You must register the death in the country where it happened. The hospital, police, tour operator or a local/international funeral director can tell you where to go and what to take. Registration produces the local death certificate, needed for insurance, any local funeral or repatriation to the UK. Attend the civil registry (or equivalent) with ID and key passport details. In some places a funeral director may handle paperwork on your behalf. The British embassy, high commission or consulate can explain the process and how to obtain certified translations. Request several certified copies now, and arrange a certified English translation if one isn’t issued.
- Where to register: The local civil registry/town hall; ask the hospital, police or the British consulate to confirm the office.
- Information to take: Full name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the passport was issued, and next‑of‑kin details.
- What to request: The official death certificate; in some countries a separate medical cause of death certificate and a registrar reference/receipt.
- Copies and translations: It’s often helpful to order multiple certified copies and a certified English translation for UK use.
- If you can’t attend: Authorise a close relative or an international funeral director to act for you, if local rules allow.
Step 6. Consider registering the death with the UK as well (optional)
After you’ve registered locally, you can often also register the death with the UK authorities. This is optional, but doing so creates a UK‑style death certificate and a record that’s sent to the General Register Office within 12 months, making future copies easier to obtain. It doesn’t replace the local death certificate and isn’t available everywhere (for example, it’s not possible in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar and South Africa). Fees apply.
- Why do it: UK‑style certificate and GRO record for future admin.
- Who to contact: The nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the FCDO.
- What you’ll need: Local death certificate, passport details and next‑of‑kin information.
- Order copies: Request multiple UK‑style certificates at the outset.
Step 7. Gather the key documents and information you’ll need
Keeping everything in one place speeds up registration, insurance claims and any plans for a local funeral or repatriation. As you work through what to do when someone dies abroad, start a single folder (physical or digital) and add documents as you receive them. Aim for clean scans or photos as well as originals, and note who holds each original at any time.
- Identity details: Full name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the passport was issued.
- Next of kin proof: Contact details and proof of relationship; any will or executor details if known.
- Local death certificate: Order several certified copies, plus a certified English translation if required.
- Insurance paperwork: Travel insurance policy, emergency assistance numbers and any written authorisations.
- Travel/holiday details: Booking references, tour operator contact and resort representative details.
- Consular and local contacts: Names, numbers and email addresses for the British embassy/consulate, hospital, police and funeral director.
- Receipts and invoices: Hospital, translation, transport and document fees for claims and records.
- Authorisations/consents: Written consent for release of remains and personal effects; nomination of who will pay costs.
- If repatriating later: Removal authorisation and certificate of embalming (request when available).
- For identification if asked: Recent photograph, and UK GP/dentist contact details (sometimes requested in disasters).
Step 8. Decide between a local funeral overseas or repatriation to the UK
After you have the local death certificate, choose whether to arrange a burial or cremation in the country where the person died, or bring them home to the UK (repatriation). The British embassy, high commission or consulate can outline local options and connect you with reputable funeral directors; your travel insurer may also appoint a provider. Repatriation can be expensive and may take time, especially if a post‑mortem is required, so weigh what matters most to your family.
- Wishes and beliefs: Honour any stated preferences, religious rites and cultural customs.
- Timescales: Repatriation can take time, particularly after a post‑mortem; local funerals may be quicker.
- Costs and insurance: Repatriation is often costly; check policy cover early. The FCDO will not pay these expenses.
- Who can attend: Consider whether family can travel now, or prefer a UK funeral or memorial later.
- Legal requirements: For repatriation you’ll need paperwork such as certified translations, removal authorisation and a certificate of embalming.
- UK permissions: If planning a UK cremation, Home Office permission is required.
- Practical support: Consular staff can advise and refer you to international funeral directors for either route.
If you decide to repatriate, move to Step 9 to appoint an international funeral director and plan transport.
Step 9. If repatriating: appoint an international funeral director and plan transport
Once you’ve chosen repatriation, appoint an experienced international funeral director. Your travel insurer may nominate one; otherwise the British embassy, high commission or consulate can provide details of reputable firms. They will coordinate collection from the hospital, complete local formalities, secure required documents and book transport to the UK. Be aware timeframes can stretch, especially if a post‑mortem is required. In many countries the deceased must be embalmed and placed in a zinc‑lined coffin before leaving the country, which your funeral director will arrange.
- Confirm instruction and costs: Agree in writing who is authorising and paying before work starts; ask for a detailed quote and timeline.
- Coordinate paperwork: The director liaises with authorities for certificates, translations and permits, and updates you and the consulate.
- Plan routing to the UK: Agree the destination airport and who will receive the deceased on arrival.
- Choose a UK provider: Nominate a funeral director in the UK to take over care and continue arrangements.
- Maintain communication: Keep your insurer and consular contact copied into all key updates to avoid delays.
Step 10. Documents for repatriation: translations, removal authorisation and embalming
Before a repatriation can go ahead, most countries require a small set of documents. Consular staff and international funeral directors can guide you and help obtain them, including arranging certified translations into English. Securing these early prevents delays and is a key part of what to do when someone dies abroad.
- Certified English translation of the local death certificate: Request multiple certified copies; check that names, dates and passport details match exactly.
- Authorisation to remove the body from the country: Issued by the relevant local authority; your funeral director or the British embassy/consulate will advise how to get it.
- Certificate of embalming: Required for international transport; the funeral director will arrange the embalming and provide the certificate.
- Optional supporting items: Contact details for the next of kin, insurer authorisations, and any consular notes or letters can smooth airport and customs checks.
- Practical note: Many places also require the deceased to be placed in a zinc‑lined coffin for transport; your funeral director will handle this.
With these documents in hand, you can plan arrival and handover in the UK. Next, confirm any permissions needed for a UK funeral.
Step 11. If planning a UK funeral: permissions for burial or cremation in England, Scotland or Wales
Once repatriation is in motion, you’ll need the right UK permissions. Tell the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the district where the funeral will take place. Take the certified English translation of the foreign death certificate, the authorisation to remove the body, and the certificate of embalming. The registrar will issue a certificate needed before any burial. If you plan a cremation, separate permission is required; a Home Office cremation order is needed and your local crematorium can provide the application and guidance.
- Notify the local registrar: Do this in the funeral district as soon as dates are known.
- Bring key documents: Translated death certificate, removal authorisation, embalming certificate.
- For burial: The registrar issues the certificate required before burial can proceed.
- For cremation: Obtain Home Office permission via an application from your local crematorium.
- Coordinate providers: Your UK funeral director will liaise with the registrar and crematorium on timings.
Step 12. If arranging a funeral overseas: checks before local burial or cremation
If you choose a local burial or cremation abroad, take a moment to line up the essentials so nothing delays the service. Ask the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate to sanity‑check the steps, and work with a reputable local or international funeral director (your insurer or tour operator can often appoint one). Make sure the legal next of kin has consented, and confirm there is no police, medical or coroner hold.
- Confirm local registration: Ensure the death has been registered and obtain the official local death certificate plus a certified English translation.
- Check legal status: Verify there are no investigations or post‑mortem requirements that would delay a funeral; the consulate can advise.
- Choose a trusted director: Use consular/insurer recommendations; get a written plan, timeline and itemised costs.
- Understand local rules: Ask about any permits, paperwork and venue availability the director will arrange on your behalf.
- Request copies and receipts: Order multiple certified copies of documents and keep all invoices for insurance.
- If cremating: Ask for the documentation you’ll need to carry ashes home later (see Step 16).
- Respect wishes and rites: Discuss faith or cultural practices and any country‑specific timeframes.
- Keep parties informed: Update the insurer and consular contact and get written authorisation before committing to costs.
Step 13. Understand costs, insurance cover and possible financial help
Costs will vary by country and by whether you choose a local funeral or repatriation. Travel insurance may cover many of the practical expenses and usually appoints a local assistance firm or international funeral director to help — get written authorisation before committing to any spend. Be aware that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not pay burial, cremation or repatriation expenses, so if there’s no valid insurance you or the estate will need to meet the costs.
- Local medical and hospital fees: Including certification and any care up to death.
- Mortuary/storage charges: Daily or fixed fees until release.
- Official documents and translations: Certified copies of the death certificate and English translations.
- Funeral director fees (local/international): Paperwork, liaison, care and transport.
- Embalming and coffin requirements: Often a zinc‑lined coffin for repatriation, plus an embalming certificate.
- Removal/exit permits: Authorisation to remove the deceased from the country.
- Transport to the UK and handover: Air freight and UK transfers on arrival.
- UK permissions and services: Registrar certificate for burial; Home Office cremation order; optional UK registration fees.
If you receive certain UK benefits and the funeral takes place in another European country or Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, you may be able to apply for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. Keep every invoice and receipt for insurer claims and estate administration, and ask for itemised quotes so you know exactly what’s included as you navigate what to do when someone dies abroad.
Step 14. Special situations: coroner involvement, suspicious or unexplained deaths and post-mortems
If the death is sudden, unexplained, suspicious or part of a disaster, expect police and medical investigations and possible delays. Consular staff can support you, explain local procedures, help you raise concerns with the authorities and advise on getting legal advice. A post‑mortem (autopsy) may be required before any release of the deceased, and repatriation may take longer — this is a normal part of what to do when someone dies abroad.
- If you have concerns: Tell the British embassy, high commission or consulate; they can advise how to raise issues with local authorities and on legal help.
- Post‑mortem delays: Investigations and autopsies can extend timescales before burial, cremation or repatriation.
- Coroner and UK cremation: If bringing the body back for cremation, report this to the coroner — they must issue a Certificate for Cremation before it can proceed.
- Inquests: Consular teams can guide you through formalities such as inquests and keep family updated.
- Disasters abroad: The FCDO may ask for identifying details (for example a description and UK GP/dentist contact) to help with identification.
- Documentation: Ask for certified copies and English translations of any medical or investigative findings as they become available.
Step 15. Faith, organ donation and cultural considerations abroad
Amid the paperwork, make space for the person’s wishes and beliefs. Laws and customs vary by country, so explain any religious or cultural needs to the hospital, police and funeral director at the earliest opportunity. Consular staff can offer practical advice, help you communicate with local authorities and guide you if concerns arise. For organ donation, tell clinicians promptly if the person wanted to donate or not. Donation procedures and consent rules differ overseas, and any investigation or post‑mortem may affect what’s possible. Keep a clear record of every decision.
- State wishes early: Provide written guidance on rites (washing, shrouding, modesty, clergy attendance, swift burial).
- Check for legal holds: Ask if an investigation or post‑mortem will delay rites or donation.
- Discuss care specifics: Request male/female attendants if required; ask about embalming, which may be mandatory for repatriation.
- For donation: Ask to speak to the local donation/transplant coordinator immediately.
- Document everything: Note who authorised decisions and obtain translated copies of any consent forms.
Respecting beliefs is a vital part of what to do when someone dies abroad; clear communication helps ensure they’re honoured within local law.
Step 16. Bringing ashes home to the UK and options for scattering or delivery
If your loved one is cremated abroad, bringing their ashes home can be straightforward with the right documents and a little advance planning. Your local or international funeral director and the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate can explain what the airline and authorities will need. Keep originals and certified English translations together so you can show them at any point in your journey as you complete what to do when someone dies abroad.
- Ask for the right paperwork: Request the official cremation certificate and any proof of contents; obtain certified English translations.
- Check export and airline rules: Confirm any local export formalities and your airline’s policies on carrying ashes, including packaging and booking requirements.
- Use a secure container: Keep ashes in a sealed, robust container and carry the documents with you throughout travel.
- Keep a clear paper trail: Retain receipts and a simple record of custody from the crematorium to your arrival in the UK.
- Plan UK arrangements: A UK funeral director can help with personal delivery of ashes, interment, or respectful scattering in a garden of remembrance, in line with your family’s wishes.
Step 17. Passports, personal effects and cancelling travel bookings
Alongside official paperwork, take care of the deceased’s passport, valuables and any unused travel arrangements. Keep the passport and important items secure and ask the hospital or police how personal effects will be released. A funeral director can help you collect and ship belongings if needed (fees may apply). For bookings, contact airlines, hotels and tour operators quickly with booking references; some may offer compassionate waivers or refunds, and your travel insurer may cover unused parts of the trip.
- Secure the passport: Keep it safe; you can arrange cancellation with HM Passport Office once back in the UK.
- Claim personal effects: Ask for an inventory/receipt from police or hospital; confirm who is authorised to collect.
- Use a funeral director if needed: They can coordinate collection and shipping of belongings.
- Record everything: Photograph items, keep receipts, note who holds what at each stage.
- Cancel bookings promptly: Contact airline, accommodation, car hire and excursions; request bereavement waivers and get confirmations in writing.
- Notify the insurer: Provide documents for any claim on unused travel and for lost or damaged belongings as part of what to do when someone dies abroad.
Step 18. Aftercare in the UK: who to notify and essential administration
When you’re back in the UK, use the local death certificate (and certified English translation) to handle practical aftercare. If you’re holding a UK burial or cremation, make sure the local registrar in the funeral district has been informed and, for cremation, that Home Office permission is in place (see Step 11). Keep originals safe, order extra certified copies if needed, and file every invoice and receipt. The executor or agreed family lead should coordinate notifications, claims and payments so the estate and any insurance can be settled smoothly.
- Government and council services: Tell relevant departments about pensions, benefits, tax and local services so payments and records can be updated.
- Financial providers: Notify banks, building societies, credit card firms and investment platforms to protect accounts and start estate processes.
- Insurers: Contact life, travel, home and motor insurers to stop cover or begin claims.
- Housing and utilities: Inform the mortgage lender or landlord, plus gas, electricity, water, broadband and mobile providers.
- Work or education: Update the employer, pension trustees or education provider and ask for bereavement contacts.
- Healthcare: Tell the GP and dental practice to update medical records.
- Identity documents: Cancel the UK passport with HM Passport Office and keep a record of all returns.
- Vehicles and travel: Update vehicle and ticket memberships as needed.
- Get advice if unsure: A solicitor or experienced funeral director can help interpret overseas documents for estate administration.
How Go Direct Cremations can help after a death abroad
Once your loved one has been repatriated or you’ve chosen to hold the funeral in the UK, we make everything simple, dignified and affordable. Our team is available 24/7, and we’re experienced with overseas cases, coroner involvement and organ donation, so you’re not left navigating the process alone.
- 24/7 guidance: Clear step‑by‑step support from the first call.
- Nationwide reception and care: We can receive your loved one and collect from any hospital in mainland England, Scotland or Wales.
- Paperwork handled: We liaise with your chosen providers, notify the registrar, and arrange the Home Office cremation order for UK cremation.
- Respectful direct cremation: Professional care, washing and preparation, eco‑friendly coffin, and an unattended cremation at trusted crematoria.
- Ashes your way: We can scatter in a garden of remembrance or arrange personal delivery to your door.
- Transparent costs: Clear pricing with only necessary, itemised extras for specific circumstances.
What to do next
Take a breath. You’ve now got a clear route through an unfamiliar situation: confirm the death, involve the local authorities and the nearest British embassy or consulate, notify the insurer, register the death, then choose between a local funeral or repatriation. Keep one family lead, gather documents in a single folder, and ask for written quotes and timescales so you stay in control. When you’re ready to arrange a simple, dignified cremation here in the UK after repatriation, speak to Go Direct Cremations for clear guidance and fair, transparent costs.
- Appoint a family lead and start a document folder (IDs, certificates, authorisations, receipts).
- Contact the embassy/consulate and the travel insurer for process and provider support.
- Decide: local funeral overseas or repatriation to the UK; get itemised quotes in writing.
- For a straightforward UK direct cremation and help with permissions, contact Go Direct Cremations 24/7.