Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in the Dominican Republic
This guide explains what happens after a death in the Dominican Republic, 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.
Typical timeline
10-21 days
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
Punta Cana and the Resort Bubble
The Dominican Republic means Punta Cana for most British visitors: a cluster of all-inclusive resorts in the east of the island, collectively forming one of the most visited beach destinations in the Caribbean. Deaths within the resort zone typically involve hotel staff who have dealt with the situation before and can make initial contacts quickly. The acta de defunción (death certificate) is in Spanish; certified translation is required for UK use.
Deaths outside the resort corridor (in Santo Domingo, along the north coast near Cabarete, or in more rural areas) are less well supported by experienced local infrastructure. The further from Punta Cana, the less predictable the response.
Limited British Consular Presence
The British Embassy serving the Dominican Republic is not in Santo Domingo. The nearest full British Embassy with consular services for the DR is in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), with an Honorary Consul operating in the country. This is a meaningful practical limitation. Honorary Consuls can assist but have fewer formal powers than a full embassy team.
This limited consular footprint means families should contact a UK repatriation specialist as their primary point of coordination rather than relying on consular services to manage the process. The specialist will work with the local Dominican funeral director directly while keeping the family informed.
The US Proximity Issue
The Dominican Republic is a short flight from Miami. Some families, understandably, ask whether routing their loved one through the US would be faster. It would not be. All Dominican exit documentation must be completed in the Dominican Republic before the body leaves the country, regardless of the onward route. Taking a body through the US would also trigger US import requirements, adding rather than removing steps. Direct cargo to the UK is the standard route and should remain so.
Spanish Documentation Only
All official documentation is in Spanish. There is no multilingual certificate available. Certified translation must be arranged for the acta de defunción and any accompanying documents. Embassy contacts, where available, can recommend certified translators. This is a routine step for Dominican repatriations and should be built into the timeline from the start.
Sources: FCDO Dominican Republic guidance (updated September 2025); Junta Central Electoral, civil registration procedures; British Honorary Consulate Santo Domingo guidance.
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 emergency services (911). Hotel/resort staff will usually assist. Contact British Embassy (nearest full embassy may be in Washington or regional consular network).
Local emergency number: 911
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 the Dominican Republic 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 the Dominican Republic requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
- Acta de Defuncion
- Embalming certificate
- Freedom from infection
- Passport
- Apostille
Documentation typically takes 5-10 days to complete.
What the embassy can do
What the embassy cannot do
What to expect
How long does it take?
Factors that can extend the timeline
- INACIF investigation
- Limited consular infrastructure
- Connection routing delays
- Holiday period closures
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for the Dominican Republic 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 | Dominican Republic 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 the Dominican Republic
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideCremation in the Dominican Republic
If local cremation is the right choice for your family, our country guide covers the documentation, airline rules, and costs.
Cremation guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from the Dominican Republic to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in the Dominican Republic
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 the Dominican Republic · Frequently asked questions