Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Puerto Rico
This guide explains what happens after a death in Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US unincorporated territory in the Caribbean. US federal law governs body export: this applies in full alongside the UK Coroner import requirements. UK families must satisfy both systems.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The Honorary British Consul in San Juan is the nearest on-the-ground consular contact; the British Embassy Washington DC (+1 202 588 7800) handles formal matters.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered at the Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Registry. For non-natural deaths, the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences (Instituto de Ciencias Forenses) has jurisdiction: its clearance is mandatory before the body can leave the territory.
Step 2: US Federal Export Requirements
All international body transfers from Puerto Rico must comply with US federal requirements:
- Embalming to US federal standard
- US federal air transport certificate
- Death certificate issued by Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Registry
Your UK repatriation specialist coordinates with a licensed Puerto Rico funeral director to meet these requirements.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico death certificate | US federal and UK Coroner requirements |
| Institute of Forensic Sciences clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| US federal embalming and air transport certificate | International air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before entering the UK |
Step 4: Arrange the Flight
British Airways operates direct flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan, to London Heathrow (LHR), approximately 8.5 hours. American Airlines connections via Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), or New York (JFK) are alternatives.
Step 5: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences; US Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule; FCDO Consular Services Overview.
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 Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico 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 | Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico · Frequently asked questions