What to do if someone dies in Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a Crown dependency in the English Channel. It covers the main island of Guernsey plus the dependencies of Alderney, Sark and Herm. Each island has its own character, and deaths on the outer islands add logistical steps before mainland UK transfer can take place.

Guernsey is not part of the United Kingdom. Its legal system is based on Norman customary law. FCDO consular services do not apply.

Immediate Steps

1. Contact a local Guernsey funeral director: They will liaise with the Greffe (civil registration office) and, where needed, HM Coroner of Guernsey. A locally registered funeral director must be engaged.
2. Notify your mainland UK receiving funeral director: They coordinate the transfer once Guernsey documentation is complete.
3. For non-natural deaths: HM Coroner of Guernsey must be notified. Guernsey Police will be involved. The body cannot be transferred until the Coroner authorises release.
4. Deaths on Sark or Herm: Sea transfer to Guernsey is required before Coroner and registration procedures can begin in full. Notify the local funeral director on the relevant island first.

Death Registration

The Greffe, located in St Peter Port, is Guernsey’s civil registration office and handles all death registration for the bailiwick. A Guernsey death certificate is the principal document required before transfer.

Coroner’s Procedures

HM Coroner of Guernsey has jurisdiction over non-natural, unexplained and sudden deaths across the entire bailiwick — including Alderney, Sark and Herm. The Coroner’s order is required before any body can be transferred off the island.

Outer Island Considerations

Alderney: Has its own airport (ACI) with services to Guernsey and Southampton. Transfers are relatively straightforward. The Coroner’s process still routes through Guernsey.

Sark: No airport. No motor vehicles. Transport to the harbour is by horse-drawn carriage, tractor or bicycle. A ferry to Guernsey takes approximately one hour. Allow at least a day for the initial transfer, likely more.

Herm: Ferry-only access from Guernsey, approximately 20 minutes. A death on Herm requires a ferry transfer to Guernsey before procedures can begin.

The Transfer Route

Guernsey Airport (GCI) provides direct scheduled services to:

• London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY) — approximately 1 hour
• Bristol (BRS), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Southampton (SOU)

Air transfer of remains on Guernsey routes is routine.

Documents You Will Need

Cremation Options

Guernsey Crematorium at Foulon Cemetery, St Peter Port, is available. Cremation on the island before ashes return to mainland UK is a frequently chosen alternative to body transfer.

Useful Contacts

• Greffe (Civil Registry): gov.gg/registries
• HM Coroner of Guernsey: via Royal Court of Guernsey
• Guernsey Police: 01481 725111

For further guidance on the process, see our guide to what happens when someone dies abroad, or contact our team.