Death of a British national abroad in suspicious circumstances

As well as the support which we can offer if someone dies from natural causes, we can also suggest the best way to raise any concerns with the local authorities if there is evidence of someone dying in suspicious circumstances.

Basic information

We can also offer basic information about the local police system and legal system, including any legal aid that is available.

If required, we can provide lists of local lawyers and interpreters (although we do not pay for either) and, where possible, details of support groups.

In all cases where you, as next of kin, have concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death, we suggest you get professional legal advice.

Can't investigate ourselves

We cannot investigate deaths ourselves and, in many countries, investigating authorities and the courts will not answer enquiries, including from our own staff. If this is the case, it is very important to consider appointing a local lawyer who can look after your interests in court and follow any trial for you.

Standards vary

We will consider making appropriate representations to the local authorities if there are concerns that the investigation is not being carried out in line with local procedures or if there are justified complaints about discrimination against the person who has died or their family. The standard of investigative procedures and expertise varies greatly across the world.

Meeting family representatives

Consular staff in London are available to meet family representatives. They will contact the next of kin if the investigating authorities tell us about any new developments. Where possible, if the next of kin visits the country where the person died during the early stages of the investigation and initial court hearings, our staff there may be able to meet them.

Bereavement

There are a number of organisations in the UK that can help bereaved families and friends come to terms with a death, whether the death was natural or otherwise. Some, such as Support after murder and manslaughter, can help you face the problems and difficulties that arise from death overseas under suspicious circumstances.

We also have a leaflet called Victims of crime abroad  [PDF 329KB, new window] which you may also find helpful. You can find details on our travel website under 'Our publications'.

Procedures in Ireland

If you have recently lost someone close to you or know someone who has recently been bereaved, the Citizens Information website will give you a list of hospitals in ireland and guide you through the immediate things that you must do following a death in Ireland.  The website also highlights some of the State and voluntary services here to support you. 

You may, if you wish, contact our Consular section at the Embassy will be able to offer advice and support whose phone number is 01 2053816.

When a British Citizen dies in Ireland there are certain formalities that must be followed before the body can be sent out of Ireland for burial or cremation in the UK. The purpose of the following information is to set out the general process and rules involved.

A funeral director in Ireland can help you deal with the formalities and can make the necessary arrangements for 'repatriation'. If the death occurred on a package holiday in Ireland, the tour operator should be able to help you with arrangements. A funeral director in the UK may also be able to arrange to have the body returned home.

It can be very costly to have a body repatriated from one country to another and you may wish to consider having the body cremated in Ireland and having the ashes sent to the person's country. Read about cremation in Ireland here.