Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in North Korea
This guide explains what happens after a death in North Korea, 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
When Someone Dies in North Korea: The Only First Step
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). There is no other first step. The UK has no resident embassy in Pyongyang. North Korea repatriation is managed through the FCDO in London, the British Embassy in Seoul (+82 2 3210 5500), and — critically — the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, which provides consular services to UK nationals in North Korea by prior arrangement with North Korean authorities.
Do not attempt to contact North Korean authorities directly. Do not attempt to arrange repatriation independently. All action must go through official channels.
Who Is In North Korea
Foreign nationals in North Korea are always on state-supervised itineraries — diplomatic personnel, journalists on accredited visits, or tourists on officially sanctioned group tours. In every case, state-assigned minders are present. A death will be known to North Korean authorities immediately.
The Documentation Process
North Korean state authorities control all documentation. The Ministry of People’s Security (Bowisong) oversees civil registration. The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang will facilitate whatever communication and consular registration North Korean authorities permit. There is no independent verification process available.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Ministry of People’s Security / civil registry | Korean — translation required |
| State authorisation for repatriation | North Korean state | Required for any export of remains |
| Documentation via Swedish Embassy | Swedish Embassy, Pyongyang | Acting on behalf of UK |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, Seoul | |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Routing
The only viable exit is Pyongyang Sunan Airport (FNJ) via Beijing (PEK) on Air Koryo, then onward from Beijing to the UK. All cargo movements require North Korean state approval.
Realistic Expectations
Timelines are entirely unpredictable. The outcome depends on North Korean state cooperation. The FCDO will give honest guidance on what is currently achievable. No specialist repatriation firm operates independently inside North Korea.
For more information on the full repatriation process, read our complete guide to what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO — Support for British Nationals Abroad, updated 2024. British Embassy Seoul and Swedish Embassy Pyongyang contact facilitation correct as of May 2026.
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 June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions