What to do if someone dies in Anguilla

What to Do When Someone Dies in Anguilla

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean, just north of Sint Maarten. English common law applies and all documentation is in English. There are no direct UK flights — repatriation routes via Sint Maarten or Antigua. No cremation facilities are available on the island.

Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The Governor’s Office in The Valley also assists UK nationals.

Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities

The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Registrar’s Office in The Valley. Non-natural deaths require clearance from the Royal Anguilla Police Force before funeral arrangements proceed.

Step 2: No Cremation Available

No cremation facilities exist in Anguilla. Full body repatriation to the UK is required.

Step 3: Engage a UK Repatriation Specialist

Anguilla’s limited local mortuary capacity and multi-leg routing to the UK require coordinated specialist management. A firm handles the Registrar’s Office, Police Force clearance (where needed), the local funeral director, and the airline connections.

Step 4: Prepare the Documentation

Step 5: Arrange the Flight

The most practical first leg is to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) via 10-minute air shuttle or short ferry from Anguilla. From SXM, KLM operates direct service to Amsterdam (AMS) for UK connections.

Alternatively, connect to Antigua (ANU) for British Airways direct service to London Gatwick (LGW).

Step 6: Repatriation to the UK

On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.

For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.

Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Anguilla (last reviewed 2025); Government of Anguilla, Registrar’s Office; FCDO Consular Services Overview.