What to do if someone dies in Jersey

Jersey is a Crown dependency, not part of the United Kingdom. Its legal system is based on centuries of Norman customary law, distinct from English common law. Death registration, Coroner procedures, and body transfer to mainland UK are governed by Jersey law and administered by Jersey authorities.

FCDO consular assistance does not apply here. This is not a foreign country — but it is not a UK domestic procedure either.

Immediate Steps

1. Contact a local Jersey funeral director: They are the essential first point of contact. They will liaise with the Jersey Registry and, where needed, the Jersey Coroner. A locally registered Jersey funeral director must be engaged for island-side logistics.
2. Notify your mainland UK receiving funeral director: They will coordinate the mainland transfer once Jersey documentation is complete.
3. For non-natural deaths: The Jersey Coroner must be notified immediately. The States of Jersey Police will be involved. The body cannot be transferred until the Coroner authorises release.
4. Review travel insurance: Coverage for Crown dependencies varies by policy. Check the small print.

Death Registration

The Jersey Registry is the civil registration authority for the island. A Jersey death certificate is issued following registration. This is the principal document required before mainland transfer.

Coroner’s Procedures

The Jersey Coroner has jurisdiction over all non-natural, unexplained and sudden deaths on the island. An inquest may be opened. The Coroner’s order is a prerequisite for body transfer in all non-natural death cases.

The Transfer Route

Jersey Airport (JER) provides direct scheduled services to:

• London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), City (LCY), Stansted (STN) — approximately 1 hour
• Bristol (BRS), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Exeter (EXT)

Air transfer of remains on Jersey routes is well-established and handled routinely by specialist firms.

Documents You Will Need

Cremation Options

Jersey Crematorium at Mont à l’Abbé, St Helier, is available. Cremation on the island and return of ashes to mainland UK is a common choice. It avoids body transfer logistics and can reduce overall costs.

The Portuguese Community

Jersey has a large Portuguese-speaking community, predominantly from Madeira. Roman Catholic funeral traditions are well-established. If the deceased was part of this community, the family may have specific requirements around religious observance and repatriation to Portugal, not just mainland UK. A specialist firm can advise on either route.

Useful Contacts

• Jersey Registry: gov.je/registries
• Jersey Coroner: via Royal Court of Jersey
• States of Jersey Police: 01534 612612

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