What to do if someone dies in Argentina

Argentina presents a challenge that many other South American countries share: deaths in remote tourist areas require physical transfer to the capital before international processes can begin. For Patagonia deaths, this transfer is the first logistical problem to solve. The judicial release requirement for unnatural deaths adds a further layer.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Buenos Aires

The British Embassy in Buenos Aires must be notified on the day of death. Address: Dr. Luis Agote 2412, C1425EOF Buenos Aires. Phone: +54 11 4808 2200. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Consular staff provide UK consular documentation and advise on Argentine procedures. If the death occurred outside Buenos Aires, ask the Embassy about local contacts in the relevant province.

Step 2: Registro Civil death registration

Deaths are registered at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) in the jurisdiction where the death occurred. The Acta de Defuncion is the legally recognised death certificate. Hospital deaths are typically registered by the hospital. For unnatural deaths, the Poder Judicial (judiciary) takes immediate jurisdiction. A judge is assigned to the case and orders the investigation.

Step 3: Judicial investigation and Cuerpo Medico Forense

For violent, sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths, a judge orders a forensic post-mortem by the Cuerpo Medico Forense (Forensic Medical Corps). In Buenos Aires and larger provincial cities, this process moves within 7 to 14 days. In the provinces of Patagonia (Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego, Neuquen) the judicial system is less resourced and timelines extend. In complex cases with criminal suspicion, the judge may take 3 to 4 weeks before releasing the body.

The judge’s release order is the single most important document in an Argentine repatriation. Nothing else can proceed without it.

Step 4: Transfer to Buenos Aires (if necessary)

For deaths in Bariloche (Neuquen province), El Calafate or El Chalten (Santa Cruz province), or Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), the body must be transferred to Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) for international cargo. Domestic Aerolíneas Argentinas flights connect all these cities. For deaths at trekking sites without road access, a charter or evacuation aircraft may be required to reach the nearest airport.

Step 5: Embalming and export documentation

Embalming is required for international repatriation. Licensed Buenos Aires mortuaries handle this. The provincial or federal health authority issues the export clearance. With all documents in place (Acta de Defuncion, judge’s release, post-mortem report, embalming certificate, health clearance) cargo booking proceeds.

Step 6: Routing to the UK

No direct flights operate from Argentina to the UK. Iberia operates Buenos Aires EZE via Madrid Barajas (MAD) to London Heathrow. LATAM via São Paulo is an alternative. Allow 1 to 2 days for cargo routing across legs. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Argentina; Argentine Civil Registry Act Ley 26.413; Argentine Code of Criminal Procedure (2023).