Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Lithuania
This guide explains what happens after a death in Lithuania, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Cost
Case by case
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Lithuania
Lithuania is an EU member with a resident British Embassy in Vilnius and direct UK flights. The process is manageable, with Lithuanian documentation requiring certified translation and non-natural deaths involving Prokuratūra clearance.
Step 1: Contact the FCDO or the Embassy
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours), or the British Embassy Vilnius directly at +370 5 246 2900. Full consular support is available in Lithuania.
Step 2: Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist
A specialist firm manages the Registrų centras process, certified translation, and coordination with Lithuanian funeral directors.
Step 3: Death Registration at the Registrų centras
The Registrų centras (Register Centre, Civil Metrical Records division) issues the official death certificate (Mirties liudijimas) in Lithuanian. Your specialist firm coordinates this locally.
Step 4: Prokuratūra Clearance (Non-Natural Deaths)
Where death was not from natural causes, the Prokuratūra must authorise release. Establish early whether this applies.
Step 5: Certified Translation
The Lithuanian death certificate requires certified English translation for the UK Coroner.
Step 6: Routing
Direct flights from Vilnius (VNO) or Kaunas (KUN) to London. Frequent Ryanair and Wizz Air services.
Cremation
Cremation is available: crematoria in Vilnius and Kaunas.
Realistic Timeline
Expect 5 to 14 days for natural deaths. Prokuratūra cases extend this.
For full country detail, see the Lithuania repatriation guide. For a general overview, read what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO Travel Advice, Lithuania (updated 2024). British Embassy Vilnius consular services. Registrų centras civil registration guidance.
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 British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in 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 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?
We do not publish a figure for , because the number would be wrong for most families who read it. 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 | 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
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, cost breakdown, cultural considerations, and more.
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated July 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions