Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Jersey
This guide explains what happens after a death in Jersey, 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.
Jersey is a Crown dependency, not part of the United Kingdom. Its legal system is based on centuries of Norman customary law, distinct from English common law. Death registration, Coroner procedures, and body transfer to mainland UK are governed by Jersey law and administered by Jersey authorities.
FCDO consular assistance does not apply here. This is not a foreign country, but it is not a UK domestic procedure either.
Immediate Steps
- Contact a local Jersey funeral director: They are the essential first point of contact. They will liaise with the Jersey Registry and, where needed, the Jersey Coroner. A locally registered Jersey funeral director must be engaged for island-side logistics.
- Notify your mainland UK receiving funeral director: They will coordinate the mainland transfer once Jersey documentation is complete.
- For non-natural deaths: The Jersey Coroner must be notified immediately. The States of Jersey Police will be involved. The body cannot be transferred until the Coroner authorises release.
- Review travel insurance: Coverage for Crown dependencies varies by policy. Check the small print.
Death Registration
The Jersey Registry is the civil registration authority for the island. A Jersey death certificate is issued following registration. This is the principal document required before mainland transfer.
Coroner’s Procedures
The Jersey Coroner has jurisdiction over all non-natural, unexplained and sudden deaths on the island. An inquest may be opened. The Coroner’s order is a prerequisite for body transfer in all non-natural death cases.
The Transfer Route
Jersey Airport (JER) provides direct scheduled services to:
- London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), City (LCY), Stansted (STN): approximately 1 hour
- Bristol (BRS), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Exeter (EXT)
Air transfer of remains on Jersey routes is well-established and handled routinely by specialist firms.
Documents You Will Need
| Document | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| Jersey death certificate | Jersey Registry |
| Jersey Coroner’s order (non-natural deaths) | Jersey Coroner |
| Funeral director documentation | Licensed Jersey funeral director |
| UK receiving funeral director confirmation | UK mainland funeral director |
Cremation Options
Jersey Crematorium at Mont à l’Abbé, St Helier, is available. Cremation on the island and return of ashes to mainland UK is a common choice. It avoids body transfer logistics and can reduce overall costs.
The Portuguese Community
Jersey has a large Portuguese-speaking community, predominantly from Madeira. Roman Catholic funeral traditions are well-established. If the deceased was part of this community, the family may have specific requirements around religious observance and repatriation to Portugal, not just mainland UK. A specialist firm can advise on either route.
Useful Contacts
- Jersey Registry: gov.je/registries
- Jersey Coroner: via Royal Court of Jersey
- States of Jersey Police: 01534 612612
For further guidance on the full process, see our guide to what happens when someone dies abroad, or contact our team.
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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 | Jersey 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 Jersey
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 Jersey to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Jersey
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 Jersey · Frequently asked questions