Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Faroe Islands
This guide explains what happens after a death in Faroe 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 Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of Denmark in the North Atlantic. Danish law applies to civil matters including death registration. Documentation is in Faroese or Danish — a certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner. Atlantic Airways operates a direct flight to London Gatwick, which makes routing relatively practical when the schedule allows.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Copenhagen (+45 35 44 52 00) handles the Faroe Islands on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered through the Faroese civil registration system. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Faroese Police (Politiet í Føroyum) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, Copenhagen.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The death certificate is issued in Faroese or Danish. A certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Faroese Police clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Atlantic Airways or cargo documentation | Air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
No cremation facility exists in the Faroe Islands. The body is repatriated for cremation in Denmark or the UK if required.
Step 4: Arrange the Flight
Atlantic Airways operates direct flights from Vágar Airport (FAE) to London Gatwick (LGW), approximately 2.5 hours. Also Atlantic Airways FAE to Copenhagen (CPH), then UK connections. North Atlantic weather can cause delays at Vágar — build contingency into scheduling.
Step 5: 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, Faroe Islands (last reviewed 2025); Faroese Civil Registration System; Faroese Police; Atlantic Airways; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy Copenhagen.
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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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