What To Do When Someone Passes Abroad
Step-by-Step Guidance from North of England International Repatriation Services
The death of a loved one abroad can feel overwhelming — especially when dealing with unfamiliar laws, foreign languages, and emotional stress. At North of England International Repatriation Services,we’re here to help you take it one step at a time.
Whether your loved one was travelling, living abroad, or working overseas, we will guide you through the process of bringing them home to the UK or to another country with clarity, compassion, and professional care.
What You Should Do Immediately
If someone has died outside the UK, here’s what you need to do first.
Step 1: Notify Local Authorities
Contact the nearest police or emergency services to report the death. Local authorities will usually arrange for a doctor or coroner to verify the passing.
Step 2: Contact the British Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission
They can help guide you through the initial legal requirements and may issue temporary travel documents or provide a list of local funeral directors. They may also help notify next of kin if needed.
Step 3: Register the Death Abroad
You must register the death according to the laws of the country where it occurred. A local death certificate will be issued in the language of that country.
We will help you obtain certified translations of all essential documents, which are required for repatriation.
Step 4: Contact Us for Immediate Support
Once you’ve notified the authorities, call our 24-hour line on 0113 322 7135. We will:
- Liaise with local officials, coroners, and consular staffs
- Begin making arrangements for repatriation to the UK or another destination
- Manage all logistics and documentation
- Provide compassionate, ongoing support throughout the process
What Documents Will Be Required?
To begin repatriation, we typically need:
- The local death certificate (and certified English translation if not already in English)
- The deceased’s passport or national ID
- Contact details of the funeral director or receiving family abroad (if the body is not returning to the UK)
- Any available insurance policy documents, if the death is covered by travel insurance
What We Handle For You
We take care of all the practical arrangements so you don’t have to. Our services include:
We take care of all the practical arrangements so you don’t have to. Our services include:
If your loved one held travel insurance, we can also work directly with the provider or assistance company on your behalf.
- Coordinating with overseas funeral directors
- Obtaining and legalising documents (including Apostilles, where needed)
- Securing consular clearance and transport permits
- Embalming and preparation (in line with international travel standards)
- Booking flights and handling customs documentation
- Arranging onward travel to the funeral director or place of rest
Can We Repatriate to Any Country?
Yes. We can manage repatriation from any country in the world, including frequent destinations such as:
🇪🇸 Spain | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇫🇷 France | 🇮🇳 India | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇯🇲 Jamaica | 🇷🇴 Romania | 🇳🇬 Nigeria
You're Not Alone – Let Us Help
If a loved one has died abroad, please don’t struggle through it on your own. At North of England International Repatriation Services, we are here 24/7 to support you — with personal guidance, transparent pricing, and over a decade of experience in international repatriation
We’ll talk you through every step, make all the arrangements on your behalf, and ensure your loved one returns home with dignity and care.
