Repatriation

Advice for UK citizens looking to repatriate a loved one back to the UK from abroad

For UK citizens you will need to, among other things, tell the relevant authorities:

• Tell the British Embassy and the High Commission or Consulate.
• Register the death where they died, in accordance with local regulations (check with the British Consul) and register with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• Check if the travel insurance included repatriation costs or if they had a UK funeral plan in place and inform the funeral director, as they can help with the repatriation process.
• Have the correct documents needed for repatriation; The British Consul can help.

Things to consider

There will be additional charges for a coffin, disbursements in respect of the funeral in the UK or overseas, any direct costs associated with the transfer of the coffin for Consulate seals, translation of official documents and any miscellaneous fees incurred.

When considering inward repatriation, it is worth bearing in mind that a transportation coffin might not be suitable for burial or cremation in this country for environmental reasons.