What to do if someone dies in Greece

The Island Transport Problem

The majority of British deaths in Greece happen on islands. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kos, Santorini, and Mykonos together account for a large share of summer tourist fatalities. Every single one of these deaths requires an internal transport step before international repatriation can begin: your loved one must first be moved to Athens.

This is not a technicality. It is a full logistics operation in its own right, involving a separate Greek funeral director, internal permits, and often a domestic flight or ferry. Smaller islands may have very limited funeral facilities, which means basic preparation must wait until Athens. Add one to four days before the Athens-to-UK phase even begins, plus extra cost. Budget for this from the outset.

The Lixiarxiki Praxi Thanatou and the Translation Requirement

Greece does not issue a multilingual death certificate. The lixiarxiki praxi thanatou (death register entry) is in Greek only. A certified translation into English is required before UK authorities or insurers will accept the document. Arranging translation adds time — typically two to five days — and cost. It is not a step that can be skipped.

Unlike Spain or France, the Greek death certificate does show the cause of death. For families dealing with insurance claims or a potential UK inquest, this is useful. For families who simply want to understand what happened, it at least provides clarity.

Orthodox Tradition and the 24-48 Hour Burial Expectation

Greece is an Orthodox Christian country. The tradition is rapid burial, typically within 24 to 48 hours of death. Local hospital staff, local funeral directors, and even well-meaning local contacts may suggest that the body should be prepared and buried in Greece promptly. This is a cultural norm, not a legal requirement for foreign nationals.

Repatriation to the UK is absolutely your right. But families should be aware of this pressure and be prepared to be clear and firm about their intentions from the first call. A UK repatriation coordinator can communicate directly with Greek funeral homes to ensure nothing happens that cannot be undone.

If a Post-Mortem Is Ordered

In Greece, the public prosecutor (eisangeleas) orders post-mortem examinations for sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths. The post-mortem itself may be completed quickly. The written report is another matter. Greek forensic reports can take months — in complex cases, over a year. The body can usually be released for repatriation once the examination is complete, but the prosecutor must formally authorise release. Do not assume this happens automatically.

One further point: if burial in Greece is ever considered, families should know about the exhumation tradition. Greek Orthodox practice involves exhuming remains after approximately three years, cleaning the bones, and placing them in an ossuary. Families who later want to bring their loved one home will face that additional step.

Sources: FCDO Greece guidance (updated October 2024); Greek Civil Registry procedures; British Embassy Athens guidance notes.