A death outside the United States involves at least two governments, an unfamiliar legal system, and logistics that can't be resolved quickly. The US State Department has a dedicated system for handling this, and the nearest American Embassy or Consulate is your first call — not the airline, not a funeral home, and not a hospital administrator.

Your first call: the nearest US Embassy or Consulate

Contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible after a death abroad. They can be reached 24 hours a day for emergencies. Find the nearest location at travel.state.gov or call the State Department's 24-hour line: 1-888-407-4747 (from the US) or +1-202-501-4444 (from outside the US).

The ACS unit will help you:

  • Notify local authorities if that hasn't been done
  • Obtain a Consular Report of Death of a US Citizen Abroad (CRODA) — the official US government document of the death
  • Locate the body and understand local legal requirements
  • Connect with local funeral homes experienced in international cases
  • Communicate with the family at home if the next of kin is still in the US

The CRODA is not a death certificate

The Consular Report of Death of a US Citizen Abroad is a US government record of the death — it functions like a death certificate for US purposes. But it is separate from the official death certificate issued by the foreign country, which you will also need. Request multiple certified copies of both.

Local law governs the body

Every country has its own laws regarding what must happen before a body can be released — mandatory autopsy, police investigation, waiting periods, or specific documentation requirements. The Embassy or Consulate can explain what the local requirements are, but they cannot override local law.

In some countries, particularly those with ongoing investigations or strict religious laws around burial timing, this process takes days or weeks. Some countries require embalming before the body can leave. Others prohibit it. Understand what's required before making any arrangements.

If the death was sudden, unexpected, or under any suspicious circumstances, local authorities will typically take jurisdiction over the body until their investigation is complete. This is non-negotiable, and attempting to accelerate the process rarely works.

Repatriation of remains

Returning a body to the United States is called repatriation. It is logistically complex and expensive — typically $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the country, the airline, the distance, and the local requirements.

What repatriation involves

  • Obtaining a foreign death certificate and the CRODA
  • Meeting local requirements (embalming, autopsy, sealing of the casket)
  • Securing a transit permit from the local government authorizing the body to leave the country
  • Arranging air cargo transport — human remains travel as cargo, not as baggage
  • Coordinating with a receiving funeral home in the US

Choosing between repatriation and local burial

Local burial or cremation is often significantly less expensive than repatriation. Some families choose this when costs are prohibitive, when the deceased lived abroad, or when local burial aligns with the person's wishes. If cremation is chosen, the ashes can typically be transported as carry-on or checked baggage with documentation, which is far simpler than transporting remains.

If the deceased had travel insurance or a life insurance policy with repatriation benefits, contact the insurer before making any arrangements — they may cover costs or have preferred providers.

Check for travel or employer insurance first

Many travel insurance policies and some employer life insurance plans include repatriation of remains as a covered benefit. Some credit cards with travel benefits also include it. Call the insurer before spending anything — some policies require you to use their approved providers, and retroactive reimbursement is often limited.

Death certificates and US recognition

A foreign death certificate is a legal document issued by the country where the death occurred. For US legal purposes — closing accounts, probate, life insurance claims — most institutions will accept a foreign death certificate accompanied by a certified translation. Some may also require the CRODA.

Request at least 10 certified copies of the foreign death certificate, and the same of the CRODA. Apostille certification (an international authentication stamp) is required for some legal purposes in the US — the Embassy or Consulate can advise on whether this is needed for your situation.

For estate administration, probate courts in most US states can handle estates with foreign death certificates, but the process is slower. An estate attorney with international experience is helpful if the estate is complex.

If the death was suspicious or criminal

If there is any possibility the death was not natural — accident, homicide, suspected poisoning — the following applies:

  • Do not pressure local authorities to release the body prematurely. An incomplete investigation can affect your ability to pursue civil remedies or insurance claims later.
  • The Embassy or Consulate will monitor the investigation and advocate for your interests, but has no power to direct a foreign investigation.
  • Consider hiring a local attorney in the country where the death occurred, particularly if criminal charges are possible or you disagree with official findings.
  • The FBI has legal attachés in many countries who work with local law enforcement on cases involving US citizens — the Embassy can connect you.
  • Keep copies of all communications with local police, hospitals, and government officials.

If the deceased was not a US citizen

If a non-US citizen dies while in the US on a visa or as a green card holder, contact the deceased's country of citizenship's consulate in the United States. They will advise on repatriation to the home country and any documentation requirements. The US State Department's role is limited in these cases.

If a permanent resident (green card holder) dies abroad, their estate may still have US tax obligations. A US-based estate attorney or CPA can advise.

Practical steps in order

  1. Call the State Department emergency line or nearest Embassy/Consulate
  2. Notify the local police or hospital if not already done
  3. Contact travel or life insurance for repatriation benefits
  4. Obtain multiple certified copies of the foreign death certificate and the CRODA
  5. Work with the Embassy to understand local legal requirements for releasing the body
  6. Engage a local funeral home experienced in international cases (the Embassy can recommend)
  7. Decide on repatriation vs. local burial and make arrangements
  8. Obtain transit permit if repatriating
  9. Arrange receiving funeral home in the US
  10. Begin estate administration with foreign death certificate and CRODA documentation