Consular staff have done this before. That’s the main reason to call them, even though their role is narrower than most families expect.
Finding the right office
Don’t assume the nearest embassy is the right one. Some countries have a single embassy that covers consular matters for the whole territory; others split responsibilities across an embassy plus several honorary consulates. Gov.uk lists the correct post for the country where the death happened, along with an emergency out-of-hours number.
Call that number directly if the death has just occurred. Most posts operate a duty officer system outside normal working hours specifically for situations like this.
What consular staff will actually do
Ask three things when you first speak to them: what documents will the destination country require, which local funeral directors do they know of, and is there anything specific to this death that will affect the process. On that last point, some countries automatically require a post-mortem for any sudden or unexplained death, and the embassy will usually know the local rule even if they can’t influence it.
Beyond that, staff can help you obtain the documents needed for repatriation: a certified English translation of the local death certificate, authorisation to remove the body from the country, and an embalming certificate. These three documents form the backbone of almost every international repatriation case, whatever the destination.
Where their role stops
The embassy will not investigate the death. If there’s any suggestion the death wasn’t natural, that’s a matter for local police, and separately, for the UK coroner once the body arrives home. The embassy also won’t offer legal or medical advice, translate documents themselves, or pay any of the costs involved, whether that’s the local funeral director’s fees or the international transport.
It’s worth saying plainly: none of this makes the embassy unhelpful. It means their job is coordination and information, not execution. The actual work, the paperwork, the transport, the arrangements, is done by a funeral director, usually one appointed by your travel insurer or found through the FCDO’s directory.
Using the FCDO’s funeral director tool
The FCDO maintains a searchable list of funeral directors who have confirmed they can work in English, organised by country. It isn’t a list of recommendations, and the FCDO says so directly, so treat it as a starting point rather than a verdict. Contact more than one where you can, ask what repatriation work they’ve handled before, and check whether they specialise in international cases specifically rather than just local funerals.
When you’re calling from the UK
If you’re trying to reach an embassy on behalf of a relative who has died abroad and you’re in the UK, the FCDO’s 24-hour number is +44 (0)20 7008 5000. Choose the option for consular services for British nationals and they’ll connect you or advise on next steps.
For the fuller picture of what’s needed at the documentation stage, see FCDO documents for repatriation. If a funeral director recommended by the embassy or an insurer doesn’t feel right for your situation, our article on funeral director mistakes to avoid abroad is worth reading before you commit.
Repatriate Service coordinates directly with embassies and local funeral directors on behalf of families. Call +44 7703 577246 at any hour, or use the enquiry form below.