Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in North Korea
This guide explains what happens after a death in North Korea, 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.
When Someone Dies in North Korea: The Only First Step
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). There is no other first step. The UK has no resident embassy in Pyongyang. North Korea repatriation is managed through the FCDO in London, the British Embassy in Seoul (+82 2 3210 5500), and (critically) the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, which provides consular services to UK nationals in North Korea by prior arrangement with North Korean authorities.
Do not attempt to contact North Korean authorities directly. Do not attempt to arrange repatriation independently. All action must go through official channels.
Who Is In North Korea
Foreign nationals in North Korea are always on state-supervised itineraries: diplomatic personnel, journalists on accredited visits, or tourists on officially sanctioned group tours. In every case, state-assigned minders are present. A death will be known to North Korean authorities immediately.
The Documentation Process
North Korean state authorities control all documentation. The Ministry of People’s Security (Bowisong) oversees civil registration. The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang will facilitate whatever communication and consular registration North Korean authorities permit. There is no independent verification process available.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Ministry of People’s Security / civil registry | Korean: translation required |
| State authorisation for repatriation | North Korean state | Required for any export of remains |
| Documentation via Swedish Embassy | Swedish Embassy, Pyongyang | Acting on behalf of UK |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, Seoul | |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Routing
The only viable exit is Pyongyang Sunan Airport (FNJ) via Beijing (PEK) on Air Koryo, then onward from Beijing to the UK. All cargo movements require North Korean state approval.
Realistic Expectations
Timelines are entirely unpredictable. The outcome depends on North Korean state cooperation. The FCDO will give honest guidance on what is currently achievable. No specialist repatriation firm operates independently inside North Korea.
For more information on the full repatriation process, read our complete guide to what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO, Support for British Nationals Abroad, updated 2024. British Embassy Seoul and Swedish Embassy Pyongyang contact facilitation correct as of May 2026.
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 North Korea 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 North Korea 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 North Korea 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 | North Korea 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 North Korea
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 North Korea to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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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 North Korea · Frequently asked questions