Losing someone abroad adds distance and unfamiliar rules to an already painful time. Here's what to do, and who can help.
Who to contact first
Their travel insurer
As soon as you can. Insurers often arrange and pay for bringing the person home, and can guide you through the local process.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
If you've heard about the death from anyone other than the local authorities - for example a tour operator. The FCDO's helpline is open 24 hours a day: 020 7008 5000, or +44 20 7008 5000 from abroad.
FCDO consular staff can keep in touch with you and with the local British consulate until the person is buried or cremated abroad, or brought home.
Registering the death
The death must be registered in the country where it happened, following local rules, and you'll get a local death certificate.
You can also register the death with the British consulate. You don't have to, but if you do you can buy a UK-style death certificate, and a record is sent to the General Register Office in the UK - this can take up to 12 months.
GOV.UK publishes a guide for each country, explaining local procedures: When someone dies abroad: advice by country
Translating the death certificate
If the certificate isn't in English, you may need a translation for banks, insurers or probate. Any translation must be certified to be accepted legally - check that before you pay for one.
Bringing the person home
Bringing someone home - called repatriation - is usually arranged by a funeral director, often working with the travel insurer. Costs vary a great deal from country to country. Ask for a written quote.
When you're back in the UK
Take the death certificate to the register office in the area where the funeral will take place. Because the death has already been registered abroad, the registrar will give you a certificate of no liability to register, which the funeral director needs.
If the death was violent or unnatural, a coroner in England or Wales may investigate once the person is home.
Official guidance: What to do when someone dies abroad
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Checked against GOV.UK.
Common questions
Who should I contact first if someone dies abroad?
Their travel insurer, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose helpline (020 7008 5000) is open 24 hours a day.
Where is the death registered?
In the country where it happened, following local rules. You can also register it with the British consulate.
Do I need a translation of the death certificate?
If it isn't in English, you may need a certified translation for banks, insurers or probate.
What do I do when the person is brought back to the UK?
Take the death certificate to the register office where the funeral will be. The registrar will give you a certificate of no liability to register, which the funeral director needs.