Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Gibraltar
This guide explains what happens after a death in Gibraltar, 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 Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of Spain. English common law applies, all documentation is in English, and there are direct flights to London in under three hours. For UK families, this is one of the most administratively straightforward international deaths.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. Because Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, local British authorities are already present, but the FCDO 24-hour line is still the right starting point.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths in Gibraltar are referred to HM Coroner for Gibraltar, who decides whether an inquest is required. Non-natural deaths are reported by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP). The Coroner issues clearance before the body can leave the territory.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Gibraltar Registry issues the death certificate in English. No translation is needed for UK purposes.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gibraltar death certificate | UK Coroner and funeral director |
| HM Coroner Gibraltar clearance | Required before departure |
| Funeral director transfer documentation | Air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before entering the UK |
Step 4: Arrange the Flight
British Airways and easyJet operate direct flights from Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) to London Gatwick (LGW), approximately 2.5 hours. The land border with Spain at La Línea de la Concepción is an alternative surface route but rarely used for repatriation.
Step 5: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director. UK Coroner confirmation is required before the funeral can proceed.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: HM Government of Gibraltar, Coroner’s Office; Gibraltar 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 Gibraltar 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 Gibraltar 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 Gibraltar 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 | Gibraltar 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 Gibraltar
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 Gibraltar to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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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 Gibraltar · Frequently asked questions