What to do if someone dies in Finland

When a British National Dies in Finland

Finland is a Strasbourg Convention signatory and an EU member state. Direct flights from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to London mean cargo logistics are straightforward once documentation is in place. The main administrative consideration is that the Matkustuslupa (the international transport permit) is issued by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira), and for deaths in remote regions such as Lapland, there is an additional step before the body can be transferred to the relevant forensic medicine institute.

Contact the British Embassy Helsinki on their emergency line as your first call.

Step 1: Report the Death to Finnish Police

All deaths must be reported to the local police district. Natural deaths confirmed by a physician at a hospital proceed quickly.

For unnatural, sudden, or suspicious deaths, the National Bureau of Investigation (KRP, Keskusrikospoliisi) may take over from the local district police for serious cases.

Step 2: Post-Mortem if Required

THL Forensic Medicine (Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos: the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare) carries out forensic post-mortems. The main facility is in Helsinki. For cases in western Finland, the THL forensic unit in Tampere may be involved.

Post-mortem reports are issued in Finnish. Certified English translations are required for UK entry formalities.

Step 3: Deaths in Lapland

Deaths in Finnish Lapland (in ski resort areas such as Saariselkä, Levi, or Ylläs, or in more remote fell terrain) involve an additional logistical step.

Lapland lacks its own accredited forensic pathology facility. Bodies must be transferred to the THL forensic unit in Oulu (approximately 200 km south of Rovaniemi) before a post-mortem can be conducted. This transfer adds 24 to 72 hours to the process. Winter road conditions can affect this.

Most British deaths in Lapland are among skiers, snowmobile and husky safari tourists, and Northern Lights visitors. The Rovaniemi area (Lapland Airport, RVN) and the Kittilä Airport (KTT) are the main entry points for these visitors.

Step 4: Valvira Matkustuslupa

Once police clearance and any post-mortem report are finalised, the Matkustuslupa (the international transport permit) is issued by Valvira. This is the Finnish equivalent of an export authorisation. Finland is a party to the Strasbourg Convention, though the UK is not. The Matkustuslupa travels with the body as part of the export documentation.

Do not book cargo until the Matkustuslupa is confirmed.

Step 5: Embalming and Preparation

Embalming is required for international air transport. Finnish funeral directors in Helsinki have established repatriation experience. Funeral directors in Rovaniemi and Levi can handle initial preparation for Lapland cases before onward transfer.

Step 6: Flights to the UK

Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) operates direct flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick with Finnair and British Airways. Cargo handling is efficient.

For Lapland cases, the body typically transfers from the local funeral director to Helsinki before being flown to the UK.

Step 7: UK Arrival Formalities

On arrival in the UK, the coroner reviews the case and a UK death certificate is issued by the local registrar. Funeral arrangements then proceed.

Getting Help

Repatriate Service handles the full Finland documentation chain, including police liaison, Valvira Matkustuslupa, and Lapland logistics. For deaths in remote Lapland locations, contact us directly: winter logistics in northern Finland require specific planning.