24/7 Emergency Hotline
+1 (617) 306-2716 - Our crisis response team available 24/7 worldwide
When Death Occurs Abroad - First Steps
When death occurs abroad, quick and appropriate action is essential to begin the repatriation process effectively. This guide provides immediate steps families should take in the first hours after learning of a death overseas, ensuring critical procedures are followed while managing the emotional impact of loss.
Emergency Contacts - Call Immediately
Section titled “Emergency Contacts - Call Immediately”US Embassy/Consulate
Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate immediately to report the death
Insurance Provider
Contact travel or life insurance provider to report death and begin claims
Critical First Steps
Section titled “Critical First Steps”-
Secure Personal Effects Immediately secure the deceased’s passport, identification, credit cards, and any valuables. Contact hotel management or local authorities to prevent theft or loss.
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Contact US Embassy The US Embassy must be notified within 24 hours of any US citizen death abroad. They will guide you through consular procedures and provide a list of approved mortuaries.
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Call Our Emergency Line Contact our 24/7 crisis response team at +1 (617) 306-2716. We will immediately assign a crisis coordinator and begin coordinating local services.
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Gather Essential Information Collect the deceased’s full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, social security number, and any medical conditions or medications.
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Family Notification Begin notifying immediate family members. Our family coordinators can assist with difficult conversations and provide grief counseling resources.
Information You’ll Need Immediately
Section titled “Information You’ll Need Immediately”Required Personal Information
Section titled “Required Personal Information”- Full legal name (exactly as on passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Passport number and expiration date
- Home address and phone number
- Emergency contact information
- Medical conditions and medications
- Insurance policy numbers
Essential Documents to Locate
Section titled “Essential Documents to Locate”- Passport (must be secured immediately)
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Insurance cards (travel, life, health)
- Credit cards and bank information
- Flight tickets or travel itinerary
- Hotel or accommodation information
- Emergency contact list
What Our Crisis Team Provides
Section titled “What Our Crisis Team Provides”Within 2 Hours:
Crisis coordinator assignment, Local mortuary identification and contact, Embassy notification and coordination, Family communication and support initiation, Documentation checklist preparation.
Services Included:
24/7 emergency hotline access, Multi-language crisis support, Local authority coordination, Cultural and religious guidance, Family representative deployment if needed.
Document Procurement:
Death certificate acquisition (certified copies), Consular mortuary certificate processing, Medical examiner report coordination, Transit permit applications, Insurance claim documentation.
Regulatory Compliance:
Local health authority clearances, Transportation permit applications, Customs documentation preparation, International shipping requirements, Destination country import permits.
Emotional Support:
Crisis counseling and grief support, Cultural sensitivity guidance, Religious ceremony coordination, Family communication facilitation, Extended family notification assistance.
Practical Assistance:
Travel arrangements for family representatives, Accommodation coordination, Local transportation, Translation services, Cultural liaison services.
Do Not Do These Things
Section titled “Do Not Do These Things”Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Section titled “Critical Mistakes to Avoid”Do NOT:
- Sign any documents in a foreign language without translation
- Make independent arrangements with unknown local services
- Release the body without proper documentation and approvals
- Pay large sums upfront without verified service agreements
- Travel immediately without coordinating with our crisis team first
Instead:
- Wait for our crisis coordinator’s guidance
- Use only vetted, approved service providers
- Verify all documentation before signing
- Coordinate all payments through established channels
- Allow our team to arrange optimal travel timing
Country-Specific Considerations
Section titled “Country-Specific Considerations”High-Risk Destinations
Section titled “High-Risk Destinations”Countries Requiring Special Procedures:
- Middle East: Enhanced security clearances, religious authority approvals
- Asia: Extended documentation requirements, cultural protocols
- Africa: Regional instability considerations, health authority clearances
- Latin America: Consular complexity, local authority coordination
Common Complications:
- Language barriers requiring certified translation
- Religious or cultural burial requirements
- Political instability affecting transportation
- Limited mortuary facilities in remote areas
- Seasonal weather affecting flight schedules
Emergency Resources
Section titled “Emergency Resources”24/7 Crisis Hotline Immediate crisis response and coordination services available worldwide.
Document Requirements Comprehensive documentation requirements by destination country.
Embassy Locations US Embassy and Consulate locations worldwide with emergency contact information.
Time is critical when death occurs abroad. Contact our emergency response team immediately at +1 (617) 306-2716 for professional crisis coordination and family support services.