Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Bonaire
This guide explains what happens after a death in Bonaire, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
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FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands — one of three BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) that became part of the Netherlands proper when the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010. Dutch law governs the island entirely. For UK families, this means repatriation follows Dutch legal procedures, not Netherlands Antilles rules that no longer apply.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (available 24 hours). UK consular assistance is provided by the British Embassy in The Hague, with the Honorary Consul in Willemstad, Curaçao providing closer regional support.
Immediate Steps
- Contact the FCDO: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). They will alert the British Embassy in The Hague and can advise on next steps.
- Contact local authorities: The Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) and the Civil Registry (Burgerlijke Stand) on Bonaire. For non-natural deaths, the Officier van Justitie (Dutch Public Prosecutor/Coroner equivalent) must be notified immediately.
- Contact a specialist repatriation firm: Dutch Caribbean legal procedures differ from mainland Netherlands procedures. Professional coordination is advisable, particularly for non-natural deaths involving the Officier van Justitie.
- Check travel insurance: Ensure the policy covers Bonaire. As part of the Netherlands, standard European travel policies may not automatically cover Caribbean BES islands.
Death Registration
Dutch death registration applies. The Civil Registry (Burgerlijke Stand) on Bonaire issues a Dutch death certificate. For non-natural deaths, the Officier van Justitie must investigate and authorise release before the body can be transferred. This is the primary source of delay in non-natural cases.
The 2010 Legal Change
Before 2010, Bonaire was part of the Netherlands Antilles, a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Since 2010, it is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Dutch law applies in full. Families should ensure any advice they receive reflects the current legal framework, not the pre-2010 Netherlands Antilles structure.
The Repatriation Route
- Flamingo Airport (BON) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) — approximately 9 hours, KLM direct, several times weekly
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to London Heathrow (LHR) — approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via KLM, British Airways or easyJet
Alternative routing via Aruba (AUA, approximately 30 minutes) or Curaçao (CUR, approximately 20 minutes) is available where KLM scheduling is inconvenient.
Documents You Will Need
| Document | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| Dutch death certificate | Civil Registry (Burgerlijke Stand), Bonaire |
| Officier van Justitie release | Dutch Public Prosecutor (non-natural deaths) |
| Embalming certificate | Licensed embalmer |
| Dutch export permit (human remains) | Dutch authorities |
| Airworthiness documentation | KLM/cargo operator |
| UK receiving funeral director confirmation | UK funeral director |
Cremation
There is no cremation facility on Bonaire. Cremation requires transfer to Curaçao or repatriation to the Netherlands or UK. If the family prefers cremation, this should be decided early so the appropriate route can be planned.
Useful Contacts and Sources
- FCDO Consular Assistance: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
- FCDO Travel Advice (Bonaire): gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bonaire-sint-eustatius-saba
- British Embassy The Hague: via FCDO
- Honorary Consul Willemstad, Curaçao: via FCDO
For further guidance on the full international repatriation process, see our guide to what happens when someone dies abroad, or contact our team.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated May 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions