Can the British Embassy pay for repatriation?
Usually no. The British Embassy does not normally pay repatriation costs. In genuine hardship cases, the FCDO may provide an emergency loan that must be repaid.
The British Embassy does not normally pay to bring someone home.
Want help with your own situation? Tell us what has happened and we will reply by email.
Send us the detailsWhat they can do
- Explain the local process
- Provide lists of local funeral directors and translators
- Help with consular paperwork
- Support communication with local authorities
What they cannot do
- Pay funeral director invoices as standard practice
- Pay airline cargo costs as standard practice
- Replace travel insurance cover
Emergency loans
In genuine hardship cases, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office can sometimes offer an emergency loan. This is not a grant. It must be repaid.
If you are in this position, call the FCDO 24/7 line and explain your circumstances in detail.
Need help?
Send us the details
Tell us what has happened and we will explain the next steps and prepare a quote, from any country to any country.
Send an enquiryOther questions
- How much does repatriation cost?
- Does travel insurance cover repatriation?
- How long does repatriation take?
- What is a burial transit permit?
- Does a body need embalming for repatriation?
- What does the British Embassy do?
- How is a body transported on a plane?
- What happens with no travel insurance?
- UK coroner and deaths abroad
- Who pays for repatriation?
Tell us what has happened
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote. We arrange repatriation to any country.