Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in the Falkland Islands
This guide explains what happens after a death in the Falkland Islands, 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 the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, approximately 8,000 miles from the UK. English common law applies and all documentation is in English. The challenge here is purely logistical: very limited air connections and significant distance.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. Because the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory, local British authorities are in place, but the FCDO line is the correct first call.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. HM Coroner for the Falkland Islands has jurisdiction and must issue clearance before the body can leave. The Royal Falkland Islands Police reports non-natural deaths to the Coroner.
Step 2: Landmine Awareness
If the death occurred in or near a marked landmine area (residual from the 1982 Falklands War) do not enter the area. Contact the Royal Falkland Islands Police immediately.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Falkland Islands Registry in Stanley issues the death certificate in English.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Falkland Islands death certificate | UK Coroner and funeral director |
| Falkland Islands Coroner clearance | Required before departure |
| RAF or airline cargo documentation | Air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before entering the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Two main routes:
- RAF charter flights from Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) to RAF Brize Norton: most practical for repatriation. Scheduling is not within civilian control; your specialist firm coordinates with RAF logistics.
- Commercial LATAM flights via Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Santiago (SCL), Chile: onward to the UK via Madrid or other European hubs.
No cremation facilities exist on the islands.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, 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: HM Government of the Falkland Islands; Falkland Islands Registry; 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 the Falkland Islands 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 Falkland Islands 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 the Falkland Islands 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 | Falkland Islands 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 Falkland Islands
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 the Falkland Islands to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in the Falkland Islands
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 Falkland Islands · Frequently asked questions