Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Nauru
This guide explains what happens after a death in Nauru, 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 Nauru
Nauru is the world’s smallest island state: 21 km², one airline, and very limited local infrastructure. For UK families, this is one of the more isolated Pacific cases. Every case here requires specialist handling.
Step 1: Contact the FCDO Immediately
Call 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). FCDO will contact the British High Commission Suva, Fiji, which holds non-resident consular responsibility for Nauru. BHC Suva: 65 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji (+679 322 9100).
Step 2: Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist
Nauru has limited local mortuary capacity. Your repatriation specialist must contact local providers on Nauru before making any commitments about timeline. There is no backup option if local embalming capacity is unavailable.
Step 3: Documentation
The Nauru Vital Statistics Registry issues the death certificate. The Nauru Police Force handles non-natural deaths. Documentation is in English.
Step 4: The Only Route Out
Nauru Airlines is the sole carrier. Services run to Brisbane, Australia, and to the Solomon Islands/Kiribati. All UK repatriation routing goes via Brisbane (BNE), where standard international air freight connections to UK airports are available.
Nauru Airlines flight frequency is limited. Your specialist must confirm the next available cargo-capable service.
Step 5: Australian Transit Documentation
Because the body will pass through Brisbane, Australian Border Force requirements for the transit of human remains apply. Your repatriation specialist will manage this, but families should be aware it adds a documentation step.
Step 6: Cremation
Cremation is not available on Nauru. Full body repatriation is required unless your family opts for cremation in Brisbane, Australia: which adds significant complexity and cost.
Realistic Timeline
Expect 14 to 42 days. The limiting factor is almost always Nauru Airlines flight frequency and local mortuary capacity.
For full country detail, see the Nauru repatriation guide. For a general overview of the process, read what happens when someone dies abroad.
- British High Commission Suva consular services. Nauru Vital Statistics Registry procedural 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 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 Nauru 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 Nauru 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 Nauru 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 | Nauru 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 Nauru
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
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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 Nauru · Frequently asked questions