Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Yemen
This guide explains what happens after a death in Yemen, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Cost
Case by case
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
When Someone Dies in Yemen: The First 24 Hours
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). The UK Embassy in Sana’a closed in 2015. The British Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (+966 11 488 0077) provides the limited consular assistance that is available.
The most important question is where in Yemen the death occurred. Yemen is divided: the internationally recognised government (IRG) administers Aden and much of the south and east; the Houthi movement controls Sana’a and north-west Yemen. The documentation track and practical feasibility are fundamentally different depending on which zone applies.
The Dual Administration Problem
Two competing authorities issue civil documentation in Yemen:
- IRG-controlled areas: Internationally recognised civil authorities. More tractable. Aden International Airport is the main exit point.
- Houthi-controlled areas: Documentation through Houthi-controlled authorities. Sana’a Airport has very limited, unpredictable service. Significantly harder to achieve repatriation.
- Active frontlines: Repatriation is not achievable in active combat zones.
Islamic Burial and Timing
Yemen is almost entirely Muslim. Islamic law requires burial within 24 hours. Communicating the intention to repatriate must happen within hours of learning of the death. An experienced specialist firm will manage this with local representatives.
Timelines are 28 to 120 days where repatriation is achievable. Many cases are not immediately achievable.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Relevant authority (IRG or Houthi admin) | Arabic: translation required |
| Export permit | Relevant authority | |
| Embalming certificate | Mortuary (where available) | |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, Riyadh | Subject to current capability |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
What to Do in the UK
Notify your travel insurer immediately. Note that many policies exclude Yemen given the FCDO advisory against all travel. Gather all available documents. Be prepared for a lengthy and uncertain process: managing expectations early reduces additional distress later.
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 Riyadh contact details 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 British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in 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 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?
We do not publish a figure for , because the number would be wrong for most families who read it. 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 | 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
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, cost breakdown, cultural considerations, and more.
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated July 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions