Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in
This guide explains what happens after a death in , 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
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FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Macau
Macau (Macao SAR) is a Special Administrative Region of China. It operates under a distinct Portuguese-influenced civil law system, separate from both mainland China and Hong Kong. The British Consulate General in Hong Kong provides consular support for Macau on a non-resident basis.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The British Consulate General in Hong Kong can be reached at +852 2901 3000.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Registry Conservatory). Non-natural deaths — accidents, suspected criminal involvement — require clearance from the Polícia Judiciária (Judicial Police) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Consulate General, Hong Kong.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Conservatória do Registo Civil issues the death certificate in Chinese and/or Portuguese. Both languages require certified English translation for UK Coroner use.
Step 3: Engage a UK Repatriation Specialist
Macau’s distinct legal system, bilingual documentation in Chinese and Portuguese, non-resident consular cover, and practical routing via Hong Kong all require careful coordination. A specialist UK repatriation firm manages the entire process.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Polícia Judiciária clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Macau SAR Government |
| Consular death registration | British CG, Hong Kong |
| UK Coroner import permission | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Routing via Hong Kong
Macau International Airport (MFM) has regional connections, but most UK repatriations route via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which has direct flights to London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). The ferry crossing from Macau to Hong Kong takes approximately 1 hour.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is handed to a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation. The funeral can then proceed.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Macau (last reviewed 2025); Conservatória do Registo Civil, Macau SAR; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British CG Hong Kong consular 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
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, cost breakdown, cultural considerations, and more.
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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