Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in British Virgin Islands
This guide explains what happens after a death in British Virgin Islands, 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.
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FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean. English common law applies and all documentation is in English. There are no direct UK flights — repatriation routes via Antigua. No cremation facilities are available.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The Governor’s Office in Road Town 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 Civil Registry and Passport Office in Road Town, Tortola. Non-natural deaths require clearance from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Step 2: Deaths on Outer Islands
If the death occurred on Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, or a remote cay, the body must be transferred to Tortola by water taxi or light aircraft. Arrange this through a local funeral director or contact the FCDO for assistance.
Step 3: No Cremation Available
No cremation facilities exist in the BVI. Full body repatriation to the UK is the only option.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| RVIPF clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | BVI Government |
| UK Coroner notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Beef Island connects to Antigua (ANU), from which British Airways flies direct to London Gatwick (LGW). Routing via Miami or New York is also possible.
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, British Virgin Islands (last reviewed 2025); BVI Government, Civil Registry and Passport Office; FCDO Consular Services Overview.
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.
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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 June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions