What does the British Embassy in India do when someone dies?

The British Embassy can register the death, provide a list of approved local funeral directors, help trace next of kin, and offer consular assistance. They do not fund or coordinate repatriation.

What is the emergency phone number for the British Embassy in India?

The FCDO 24-hour consular assistance line is +44 (0)20 7008 5000. This line handles all emergencies for British nationals abroad.

Consular assistance

British Embassy contacts for India: when someone dies abroad

If a British national dies in India, the Embassy is usually the first official body to contact. This page lists the main and emergency numbers, explains what consular staff can and cannot do, and links to the resources you need.

FCDO 24/7 line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Emergency numbers

FCDO 24-hour line (from UK)

+44 (0)20 7008 5000

Always verify numbers before calling

Embassy phone numbers change. Confirm current details at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india before a trip. The FCDO 24-hour line (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) is the most reliable point of contact in an emergency.

Contact details

British Embassy and consulates in India

British High Commission

New Delhi

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

+91 11 2419 2100 Official website

VERIFY all numbers before go-live. India's size requires extensive British diplomatic coverage. Check gov.uk for current list. Goa and Kerala honorary consuls are particularly important for tourist deaths.

What you need to know

What the British Embassy in India can do

Register the death of a British national under the Consular Deaths Act
Provide a list of local funeral directors who handle international repatriation
Help trace and notify next of kin
Issue emergency travel documents if a family member needs to travel
Liaise with local police, hospitals, or authorities if language is a barrier
Advise on the local death certificate process in India

Important limits

What the Embassy cannot do

Fund or pay for repatriation (that is the family's or insurer's responsibility)
Arrange or coordinate the repatriation itself
Release the body from a hospital or morgue
Override local death certificate processing timelines
Provide legal advice on liability or criminal matters

Death registration in India

The Embassy can register the death separately under UK law. This is optional and does not replace the local certificate, but some families find the UK death certificate useful for administrative purposes.