Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Latvia
This guide explains what happens after a death in Latvia, 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.
Typical timeline
Typical cost
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Latvia
Latvia is an EU member with a resident British Embassy in Riga and direct UK flights. For UK families, it is one of the more manageable European repatriations. Latvian documentation requires certified translation, and non-natural deaths involve Prokuratūra clearance.
Step 1 — Contact the FCDO or the Embassy
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours), or the British Embassy Riga directly at +371 6777 4700. Full consular support is available.
Step 2 — Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist
A specialist firm manages the PMLP registration process, certified translation, and coordination with Latvian funeral directors who understand international documentation requirements.
Step 3 — Death Registration at the PMLP
The PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) issues the official death certificate (Miršanas apliecība) in Latvian. Your specialist firm coordinates this at local authority level.
Step 4 — Prokuratūra Clearance (Non-Natural Deaths)
Where death was not from natural causes, the Prokuratūra (Prosecutor’s Office) must authorise release of the body before repatriation can proceed. Establish early whether this applies.
Step 5 — Certified Translation
The Latvian death certificate must be certified translated into English for the UK Coroner. Your specialist firm arranges this.
Step 6 — Routing
Direct flights from Riga (RIX) to London Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. Frequent services with Ryanair, Wizz Air, and airBaltic.
Cremation
Cremation is available in Latvia — crematoria in Riga and Daugavpils.
Realistic Timeline
Expect 5–14 days for natural deaths. Prokuratūra involvement extends this.
For full country detail, see the Latvia repatriation guide. For a general overview, read what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO Travel Advice — Latvia (updated 2024). British Embassy Riga consular services. PMLP civil registration guidance.
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?
Full repatriation guide for
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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