Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Guam
This guide explains what happens after a death in Guam, 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 Guam
Guam is a US organised territory in the western Pacific. US federal law governs body export — this runs alongside the UK Coroner import requirements. There are no direct UK flights; routing is via Tokyo or Honolulu, adding significant transit time.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Tokyo (+81 3 5211 1100) handles consular matters for Guam on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered with Guam Vital Statistics. For non-natural deaths, the Guam Medical Examiner has jurisdiction and must issue clearance before the body can leave the territory.
Step 2: US Federal Export Requirements
All international body transfers from Guam must comply with US federal requirements:
- Embalming to US federal standard
- US federal air transport certificate
- Guam Vital Statistics death certificate
Your specialist firm coordinates with a licensed Guam funeral director to meet these requirements.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Guam death certificate | US federal and UK Coroner requirements |
| Medical Examiner clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| US federal embalming and air transport certificate | International air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before entering the UK |
Step 4: Arrange the Flight
No direct UK flights from Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM). Main routing options:
- United Airlines or Japan Airlines GUM to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), then onward to London
- Via Honolulu (HNL) then UK connections from US gateway airports
Allow 24 or more hours of transit time in routing calculations.
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, Guam (last reviewed 2025); Guam Medical Examiner; US Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule; 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.
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