Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Palau
This guide explains what happens after a death in Palau, 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 Palau
Palau is one of the most remote countries in the world for UK nationals. There is no resident British Embassy: consular matters are handled from Manila. Deaths here require a specialist repatriation firm with specific Pacific experience.
Step 1: Contact the FCDO Immediately
Call 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). FCDO will contact the British Embassy Manila on your behalf. The Embassy address is British Embassy Manila, 120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Metro Manila (+63 2 8858 2200).
Step 2: Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist
This is not a case for a general travel insurer handling things remotely. Palau has very limited mortuary infrastructure: you need a firm with established Pacific ground contacts who can confirm what embalming and holding capacity is available locally.
Step 3: Documentation
The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues the death certificate. Non-natural deaths require Palau Police Department clearance. All documentation is in English.
Step 4: Routing
All repatriations leave via Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) near Koror. Connections go via Manila or Guam to the UK. Cargo capacity on flights from ROR is limited: confirm space with your repatriation firm.
Step 5: Cremation
Cremation is not available in Palau. Your specialist will arrange full body repatriation. Ashes-only return is not possible unless cremation is carried out in Australia or another transit country, which adds significant complexity and cost.
Realistic Timeline
Expect 14 to 42 days in most cases. Delays arise from limited flight frequency and potential mortuary capacity constraints.
For full detail, see the Palau repatriation guide. For a general overview, read what happens when someone dies abroad.
- British Embassy Manila consular services. Palau Bureau of Vital Statistics 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 Palau 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 Palau 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 Palau 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 | Palau 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 Palau
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
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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 Palau · Frequently asked questions