Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Curaçao
This guide explains what happens after a death in Curaçao, 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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What to Do When Someone Dies in Curaçao
Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean, with Willemstad as its capital. Dutch civil law governs death registration. British consular support is provided non-residently by the British Embassy in The Hague.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff who can guide you.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death and notifies the Registro Civil (Civil Registry). Non-natural deaths — accidents, suspected criminal involvement — require notification to and clearance from the Korps Politie Curaçao before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, The Hague, which handles consular matters for Curaçao.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Registro Civil de Curaçao issues the official death certificate in Dutch and/or Papiamentu (note: the Curaçaoan spelling is Papiamentu, distinct from Aruba’s Papiamento). A certified English translation is required for UK Coroner use.
Step 3: Engage a UK Repatriation Specialist
Coordination between the Curaçaoan funeral director, Registro Civil, Korps Politie (if applicable), the British Embassy The Hague, the airline, and the UK Coroner needs professional management. A specialist firm handles this on your behalf.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Police clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Curaçaoan authorities |
| UK Coroner import permission | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Direct KLM flights from Curaçao Hato International Airport (CUR) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) provide the primary UK routing. Miami connections via American Airlines are an alternative.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is handed to a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation. The funeral can then proceed.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Netherlands and Caribbean territories (last reviewed 2025); FCDO Consular Services Overview; Registro Civil, Government of Curaçao.
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
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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