What to do if someone dies in China

A death in China is among the most documentation-intensive repatriations a UK family can face. The process involves multiple Chinese government agencies, approved-facility requirements that are not negotiable, and a substantial authentication chain. This guide sets out the steps in order.

Step 1: Notify the nearest British diplomatic post

China has five British diplomatic posts. Contact the one covering the region where the death occurred:

• British Embassy Beijing: 11 Guang Hua Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing 100600. Phone: +86 10 5192 4000.
• British Consulate-General Shanghai: covers eastern China.
• British Consulate-General Guangzhou: covers southern China.
• British Consulate-General Chengdu: covers south-west China.
• British Consulate-General Wuhan: covers central China.

FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Notify them on the day of death. Do not engage any local mortuary or funeral director until the relevant diplomatic post has confirmed which facilities are approved for international repatriation. Using an unapproved facility will cause the entire process to stall.

Step 2: Public Security Bureau (PSB)

For any sudden, violent, or unexplained death, the Public Security Bureau (PSB) takes immediate jurisdiction. The PSB conducts its own investigation before any post-mortem is ordered. The body cannot be moved from the scene until the PSB has cleared it.

PSB investigations range from a few days (clear natural cause in a hotel room) to several weeks (ambiguous circumstances or any suggestion of criminal involvement). Until the PSB formally releases the body, nothing else can proceed.

Step 3: Forensic post-mortem

Once the PSB releases the body, a forensic post-mortem may be ordered. This is conducted by PSB forensic departments. Results are typically available within 7 to 14 days of the examination.

Step 4: Death registration: Civil Affairs Bureau

The Si Wang Yi Zheng Shu (death certificate) is issued by the local Civil Affairs Bureau (Minzheng Ju). For hospital deaths, registration proceeds through the hospital. For deaths investigated by the PSB, registration follows the PSB’s release.

Step 5: Approved mortuary and embalming

Embalming must be carried out at a mortuary approved by the local Civil Affairs Bureau. The British diplomatic post provides a list of approved facilities. Using any other facility is not permitted. Embalming at an approved mortuary is a prerequisite for the export permit.

Step 6: Chinese Customs clearance (Jian Yi Zheng Shu)

Chinese Customs issues the Jian Yi Zheng Shu (health clearance certificate) confirming the remains are free from infectious disease and cleared for international export. This step cannot be bypassed or rushed.

Step 7: Civil Affairs Bureau exit permit

The exit permit for human remains is issued by the local Civil Affairs Bureau. Required documents: death certificate, PSB release, embalming certificate, Customs health clearance, British consular documentation. The exit permit is the final document before air cargo booking.

Step 8: Documentation authentication and translation

All Chinese-language documents must be translated into certified English. Depending on what the UK receiving authority requires, authentication via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs may also be needed. Your repatriation specialist manages this chain.

Step 9: Flights to the UK

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct daily flights from Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to London Heathrow. Air China also serves this route. Direct flights are available from Guangzhou (CAN) with connection. Once all documentation is cleared, cargo booking proceeds on the next available departure.

Source: FCDO guidance on death in China; Ministry of Civil Affairs regulations; PSB procedures; British Embassy Beijing consular guidance (2023).