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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

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred (or the U.S. Department of State’s emergency line) and ask for help confirming the death and next steps.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wire money or share financial/password information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about “urgent arrangements.”
  • Do not treat a social media post or message chain as confirmation.
  • Do not commit to a funeral home, transport service, or “agent” before you have an official consular contact.
  • Do not feel forced to decide about bringing remains home immediately; you can slow the process down enough to verify details.
  • Do not publish identifying details publicly while you are still confirming identity and circumstances.

What to do now

  1. Write down the essentials (2 minutes).
    Their full legal name, date of birth, passport details if known, where they were, who told you, and any contact info you’ve been given.

  2. Make your first official call: U.S. embassy/consulate or the State Department emergency line.

    • Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the death happened and ask for American Citizen Services (ACS).
    • If you can’t reach the embassy/consulate quickly, call the U.S. Department of State emergency numbers:
      From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
      From overseas: +1-202-501-4444
      Say: “I’ve been told my loved one died abroad. I don’t know who to contact first. Please help me reach the right embassy/consulate and verify what’s known.”
      Ask for a case reference and the name/role of the person you speak to.

  3. Ask the consular officer to help you confirm what is known through local authorities.
    Ask:

    • Which local authority has reported the death (hospital/police/medical examiner equivalent).
    • Whether the person has been formally identified.
    • What is needed to confirm you as next of kin or legal representative.

  4. Ask about the key U.S. document the embassy/consulate may create.
    Ask what they can issue/provide, such as a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (often called CRODA; copies/records may be referred to as CRDA), and what they typically need from local authorities to produce it.

  5. If you were contacted by a third party (hotel, tour company, unknown caller), verify before acting.
    Use a “call-back” rule: end the call, then contact the embassy/consulate (or the State Department emergency line) through official channels yourself. Keep copies of messages/emails for reference, but don’t pay or sign anything yet.

  6. Ask for a list of local funeral homes and what decisions can be paused.
    U.S. consular staff can often provide a list of local funeral homes and explain options that depend on local law and practice. Ask them to tell you what you do not need to decide today.

  7. If you are in immediate administrative crisis (travel, childcare, work), pick one trusted person.
    Ask someone you trust to sit with you (or stay on the phone) while you make calls and take notes. Shock makes it easy to miss details.

What can wait

  • Choosing whether to return remains to the U.S. versus local arrangements.
  • Hiring an attorney or starting estate steps.
  • Notifying banks, employers, and every agency — wait until you have confirmation and basic documents.
  • Making a public announcement.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel unreal, numb, or unable to process information. The first goal is not to “solve everything” — it’s to reach one official consular contact, verify the facts, and avoid rushed commitments.

Scope note

These are first steps only. After confirmation, you may need additional help for country-specific requirements, documentation, and practical arrangements.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Procedures vary widely by country and circumstances. If anything feels unclear or pressured, slow down and re-check through the U.S. embassy/consulate or the State Department emergency channel.

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