Death Abroad in Scotland

What to do when someone dies abroad and you live in Scotland — Foreign Office contact, repatriation specialists, local death registration, travel insurance, and UK registration.

1. Important: Repatriation can be complex and costly. Contact the Foreign Office and a specialist funeral director early.
2. Contact the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — call +44 20 7008 5000 (24 hours). They can help with local formalities and advise on next steps.
3. Register the death locally where it occurred. You will need the local death certificate for repatriation and UK registration.
4. Contact a specialist repatriation funeral director. They handle international transport, embalming requirements, and documentation.
5. Check travel insurance for repatriation cover. Many policies include cover for bringing a body home — also check credit card policies.
6. The death can also be registered in the UK. This is optional but creates a UK record — contact the General Register Office.