Department of Foreign Affairs

The death of a family member or friend abroad is obviously particularly distressing. People can feel overwhelmed when, in addition to normal feelings of bereavement, they also need to deal with a foreign bureaucracy through an unfamiliar language. They may have to cope with complex consultations in order, for example, to have a body brought home, or to arrange for a local burial.

If a Diplomatic or Consular mission is informed of the death of an Irish national abroad, arrangements will be made with the Garda Síochána to have the next of kin in Ireland informed immediately.

Consular officials will also assist with the logistical issues that arise when someone dies abroad. They can assist in dealing with local authorities to obtain death and other certificates, and will put you in touch with local undertakers who can either make the arrangements to have someone buried (or cremated) locally, or to arrange for the remains to be flown back to Ireland.

Families should be aware that the time required in order for remains to be repatriated may vary depending on the formalities required by different countries, and also on the individual circumstances surrounding a death. While a week to ten days would be quite usual, there may be circumstances where repatriation can be delayed for longer. The Diplomatic or Consular Mission will keep in touch with the relevant authorities so that families can be kept informed of the position.

While Consular officers will do their utmost to see that the wishes of the dead person and the family are respected with regard to funeral arrangements, and are happy to act as liaison for families with the local authorities and undertakers, there may be some cases where because of local law, weather conditions etc., it may not be possible for family wishes to be fully complied with.

The Department does not pay for repatriation of remains, except in some very exceptional circumstances. Neither are we in a position to provide funds for funeral expenses or for relatives to travel to where the death occurred, or to accompany the remains to Ireland.

In some cases, e.g. where the death has been the result of a crime or car accident, it may be necessary for the Irish Diplomatic or Consular Mission to remain in contact with the victim’s family for some years as police or judicial investigations progress. In these cases, the families will be kept informed of all new information as it is made known to the Mission by the relevant authorities of the country concerned. They will also be informed when changes of personnel at the Mission require that a new officer will take over handling of the case. However, the Department does not have investigative powers and all investigations and enquiries into crimes committed abroad are the responsibility of the local police and judicial authorities.