Traveling Abroad For A Funeral: Is It Possible?

If you are planning to travel abroad for a funeral, you should be aware of the rules and guidelines that may apply. Firstly, it is important to check the foreign travel advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and familiarise yourself with the rules on international travel and managed isolation. The rules may vary depending on the country you are travelling to, so it is essential to review the specific guidelines for your destination.

When travelling to attend a funeral, it is recommended to travel by car, either alone or with members of your household. If alternative funeral transport is required or preferred, guidance from the relevant transport authority, such as Transport Scotland, should be followed. Additionally, if you are travelling from abroad to attend a funeral, you will need to comply with the regulations of the country you are visiting.

Check travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the UK government's ministry of foreign affairs. It was formed in 2020 through the merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID). The FCDO is responsible for representing and promoting British interests worldwide.

The FCDO provides foreign travel advice, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements, and travel warnings. This advice is country-specific, with 226 countries and territories listed on the FCDO website. The FCDO also provides consular help and services abroad, such as supporting British nationals with funeral arrangements when someone dies abroad.

If you are planning to travel abroad for a funeral, it is important to check the FCDO's foreign travel advice for the country you are travelling to. This will help you understand any rules and restrictions that may be in place for international travel and funerals. The FCDO website also provides information on how to register a death, document requirements, and the process for repatriating a body to the UK.

In addition to the FCDO's advice, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the rules on international travel and managed isolation of the country you are travelling to. Each country may have different rules and restrictions, so it is important to check before you travel.

Understand the rules for international travel and managed isolation

When travelling abroad for a funeral, it is important to understand the rules for international travel and managed isolation. These rules can vary depending on the country you are travelling to or from, so it is essential to check the specific requirements for your destination. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

International Travel

When travelling internationally, it is important to check the latest travel advice from your government or local health authorities. For example, if you are travelling from Scotland, you should refer to the GOV.SCOT website for the most up-to-date information. Similarly, if you are travelling from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the GOV.UK website will provide country-specific advice. It is also recommended to check foreign travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before your trip. This advice can change at short notice, so staying informed is crucial.

COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Requirements

Different countries have different testing and quarantine rules for international travellers. Some countries may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departure or upon arrival. Others may mandate testing after arrival, along with a period of self-isolation or quarantine. It is essential to comply with the specific testing and quarantine requirements of your destination country. In some cases, these requirements may depend on your vaccination status or whether you are arriving from a country designated as "at-risk". Keep in mind that testing requirements can change, so checking the latest information before your trip is vital.

Documentation and Health Protocols

When travelling internationally, ensure you have all the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport and any required visas. Some countries may also require specific health documentation, like proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Keep in mind that entry requirements can vary based on your country of origin, so always check the latest information. Additionally, be prepared to follow local health protocols, such as wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing, and adhering to local guidelines for gatherings.

Travel Insurance and Costs

It is important to have adequate travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related expenses, including medical treatment and quarantine costs if needed. Review your insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered. Keep in mind that you will likely be responsible for any costs incurred during your trip, including medical bills and, in some cases, the cost of repatriating the deceased's body and belongings.

Local Funeral Customs and Practices

Be aware that funeral customs and practices can vary significantly across different countries and cultures. Familiarize yourself with the local practices and any specific requirements related to the funeral you are attending. Respect the cultural norms and traditions of the country you are visiting, especially during this sensitive time.

In summary, when travelling abroad for a funeral, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest international travel rules, testing requirements, quarantine protocols, and local health guidelines. By following these guidelines and staying flexible, you can ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible during this difficult time.

Register the death in the country where the person died

When someone dies abroad, you must register their death with the local authorities in the country where they passed away. This can be a stressful and unfamiliar process, but you can get help from the relevant embassy or consulate. If you're in the UK, you can also register the death with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

If the deceased was travelling with you, contact the nearest British embassy, High Commission or consulate. They will advise you on the next steps and any specific requirements of the country you're in. If you booked your trip through a package holiday provider, inform their representative in the resort, as they may have a welfare team who can assist with arrangements.

If you are in the UK when you learn of the death of a close relative or friend abroad, the British consulate in the country where the person died should ask the UK police to inform the next-of-kin. If you are notified by someone else, for example, a tour operator, you should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) who can keep you informed and help with arrangements.

When registering the death in person, you should take information about yourself and the deceased, including:

• Where and when their passport was issued
• Details of the next-of-kin if you are not their closest relative
• Funeral arrangements

You can choose to have the funeral overseas or return the body to the UK (repatriation). If you opt for repatriation, you will need the following documents:

• A certified English translation of the foreign death certificate from the country in which the person died
• Authorisation to remove the body from the country
• A certificate of embalming

The British consulate or an international undertaker will be able to advise you on how to obtain these documents.

Arrange the funeral overseas or repatriate the body to the UK

If your loved one has died abroad, you may choose to arrange their funeral overseas or have their body repatriated to the UK. Here are the steps you need to take for each option:

Arranging a funeral overseas:

• Contact the local authorities in the country where the person has died to register the death. You may also need to notify the British embassy, who can help with this process.
• Obtain a Death Certificate from the local authorities.
• If desired, purchase a UK-style death certificate from the British Consulate. This will be sent to the General Register Office within 12 months, and you will be able to obtain a copy later if needed.
• Arrange the funeral with local funeral directors and make any necessary arrangements for burial or cremation.

Repatriating the body to the UK:

• Contact the local authorities and the British embassy in the country where the person has died to register the death.
• Obtain the following documents:
• A certified English translation of the foreign death certificate.
• Permission to remove the body from the country, issued by a coroner or equivalent official.
• A certificate of embalming.
• Arrange transportation for the body to the UK, usually by air. Some funeral directors may allow family members to travel on the same flight as the deceased.
• Make arrangements to collect the body from the airport in the UK. A private ambulance or hearse can be used for this.
• Notify the local coroner in the UK and provide them with the necessary documents. The coroner will decide if an inquest or post-mortem is required before the funeral can take place.
• Arrange the funeral with a local funeral director in the UK.

Repatriating a body can be a complex and costly process, so it is important to seek help from the British authorities and funeral directors who can guide you through the specific requirements and arrangements.

Contact your insurance company if the deceased had travel insurance

If the deceased had travel insurance, you should contact their insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to advise on the next steps and any costs that may be covered by the policy. It is important to act quickly to avoid unnecessary delays or complications. Review the insurance policy to understand the requirements and allowances for the preparation and return of the deceased's remains, local cremation or burial, and any additional expenses that may be incurred.

The insurance company may be able to cover the costs of cancelling or cutting short your trip. They may also provide a 24-hour emergency helpline and support the family with the arrangements that need to be made. It is important to check the terms of the policy and contact the insurance provider if you have any questions or concerns about what is covered.

If the deceased's funeral costs are covered by their travel insurance, the insurance company will usually employ a local assistance firm or funeral directors to handle the practicalities involved in bringing the deceased back to their home country and making the necessary arrangements. This may include arranging for an international undertaker and obtaining the required documentation, such as a certified English translation of the foreign death certificate, authorisation to remove the body from the country, and a certificate of embalming.

In some cases, the insurance company may also cover the costs of burial or cremation abroad. However, it is important to note that burial is not the same as a funeral, and the insurance company will only pay for burial if it is done according to local customs. Surviving family members may be able to choose between a traditional burial or cremation, but all foreign burial claims must be approved and coordinated by the insurance company in advance.

Frequently asked questions