Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Bermuda
This guide explains what happens after a death in Bermuda, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Bermuda
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic. English common law applies throughout and all documentation is in English. A direct British Airways service to London Gatwick makes it one of the more accessible overseas territory repatriations.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately: this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The Governor’s Office in Bermuda also assists UK nationals.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Registrar General’s Office in Hamilton. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Bermuda Police Service before funeral arrangements proceed.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Registrar General’s Office, Government of Bermuda, issues the death certificate in English. No translation is required.
Step 3: Engage a UK Repatriation Specialist
A specialist firm coordinates the Registrar General’s Office, Bermuda Police Service (where relevant), the funeral director, the airline, and the UK Coroner. Even in a lower-complexity case like Bermuda, professional management reduces errors and delays.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Police Service clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Government of Bermuda |
| UK Coroner notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Direct British Airways flights from L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) to London Gatwick (LGW). Flight time is approximately 7 hours.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival at Gatwick, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: Government of Bermuda, Registrar General’s Office; FCDO Consular Services Overview.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in Bermuda will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from Bermuda requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Bermuda alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | Bermuda paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for Bermuda
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from Bermuda to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Bermuda
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing your loved one home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Bermuda · Frequently asked questions