Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Sint Maarten
This guide explains what happens after a death in Sint Maarten, 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 Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is the Dutch half of a divided Caribbean island, the southern portion belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten), while the northern portion is French (Saint Martin). This distinction matters enormously: they are separate jurisdictions with different legal systems. This guide covers the Dutch side only.
Sint Maarten operates under Dutch civil law. Non-resident British consular support is provided by the British Embassy in The Hague. Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) has direct KLM service to Amsterdam for UK connections.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately: this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The British Embassy The Hague (+31 70 427 0427) handles Sint Maarten on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Confirm Jurisdiction
If the death occurred on the French side of the island (Saint Martin): different French legal processes apply. French civil registration, French consular support, and FCDO guidance specific to France/French overseas territories apply. Contact the FCDO to clarify jurisdiction.
If the death occurred on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten, south of the border): proceed with the steps below.
Step 2: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Civil Registry of Sint Maarten. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, The Hague.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The Civil Registry issues documents in Dutch. A certified English translation is required for UK Coroner use. Your specialist firm arranges this.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| KPSM clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Sint Maarten authorities |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, The Hague |
| UK Coroner notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has direct KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). UK connections from Amsterdam are frequent. Miami and New York connections are alternatives.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is handed to a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO guidance: When someone dies in the Netherlands; Civil Registry of Sint Maarten; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy The Hague.
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 Sint Maarten 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 Sint Maarten 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 Sint Maarten 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 | Sint Maarten 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 Sint Maarten
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 Sint Maarten 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 Sint Maarten · Frequently asked questions