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What to do if…
you learn a loved one has died abroad and you do not know who to contact first

Short answer

Call the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 24/7 consular line first, or the nearest British embassy/consulate in the country where the death happened, and ask for consular help with a death abroad.

Do not do these things

  • Do not send money, passport details, or bank details to a stranger who contacts you “about the death” until you’ve confirmed the situation via official channels.
  • Do not rely on social media posts, messages, or second-hand claims as confirmation.
  • Do not agree to “urgent” funeral/repatriation arrangements offered out of the blue before you know who is officially handling the case locally.
  • Do not post details publicly online while you’re still verifying identity, location, and next-of-kin status.
  • Do not feel you have to make big decisions (repatriation, funerals, legal steps) in the first hour.

What to do now

  1. Pause and write down what you know (2 minutes).
    Note: their full name (as in passport), date of birth, nationality, where they were, who told you, and any phone numbers or emails you’ve been given.

  2. Make your first official call: FCDO consular services (24/7).
    If you are in the UK (or you can’t quickly find the right embassy/consulate number), call the FCDO 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 and select the option for “Consular services for British nationals.”
    Say: “I’ve been told my loved one has died abroad. I don’t know who to contact. Please advise and help verify.”
    Ask for a case reference and the name/role of the person you speak to.

  3. If you are already in the country (or have the correct details), contact the British embassy/high commission/consulate there.
    Ask for consular assistance for a death and request they confirm the best point of contact for local authorities.

  4. Ask consular staff to help you confirm what’s known through local authorities.
    Specifically ask:

    • Which local authority has reported it (hospital, police, coroner/prosecutor equivalent).
    • Whether the person has been formally identified.
    • Whether you are recorded as next of kin (or what they need to confirm that).

  5. If you’re being contacted by a tour operator, employer, hotel, or “friend of a friend,” verify first.
    Tell them you will call back after speaking to consular staff. If it’s a package holiday, the tour operator may have a welfare team — but still verify via consular channels before agreeing to arrangements.

  6. Prepare the minimum details consular staff may request.
    Have ready (if you can): passport number (if known), last known address, a recent photo, and names/contact details of close family. If you don’t have these, say so — you can still open a case.

  7. Ask what happens next in that country, and what decisions are not needed yet.
    Request a simple outline of:

    • Local registration process and when a local death certificate might be available.
    • How personal belongings are handled.
    • Options (if any) for repatriation or local funeral arrangements, and which choices can be safely paused while you verify.

  8. If you’re unsure the contact is genuine, use a “call-back” rule.
    End the call and ring the FCDO number above (or the embassy/consulate via official contact details) yourself. Scammers often exploit bereavement with urgency and payment pressure.

What can wait

  • Choosing a funeral director (UK or overseas) and deciding on repatriation versus local arrangements.
  • Informing every organisation (banks, insurers, subscriptions) — that can wait until you have confirmation and basic documents.
  • Sorting legal/estate matters in the UK.
  • Making any public announcement.

Important reassurance

Being unable to think clearly right now is normal. Your job in the first steps is simply to get one official point of contact, confirm what’s true, and prevent rushed decisions made under pressure.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Once the situation is confirmed, you may need specialist help for international paperwork, local legal processes, and practical arrangements.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Processes vary by country and by the circumstances of the death. If anything feels unclear or pressured, slow down and re-check via official consular channels.

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