Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Puerto Rico
This guide explains what happens after a death in Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US unincorporated territory in the Caribbean. US federal law governs body export — this applies in full alongside the UK Coroner import requirements. UK families must satisfy both systems.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The Honorary British Consul in San Juan is the nearest on-the-ground consular contact; the British Embassy Washington DC (+1 202 588 7800) handles formal matters.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered at the Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Registry. For non-natural deaths, the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences (Instituto de Ciencias Forenses) has jurisdiction — its clearance is mandatory before the body can leave the territory.
Step 2: US Federal Export Requirements
All international body transfers from Puerto Rico must comply with US federal requirements:
- Embalming to US federal standard
- US federal air transport certificate
- Death certificate issued by Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Registry
Your UK repatriation specialist coordinates with a licensed Puerto Rico funeral director to meet these requirements.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico death certificate | US federal and UK Coroner requirements |
| Institute of Forensic Sciences clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| US federal embalming and air transport certificate | International air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before entering the UK |
Step 4: Arrange the Flight
British Airways operates direct flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan, to London Heathrow (LHR), approximately 8.5 hours. American Airlines connections via Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), or New York (JFK) are alternatives.
Step 5: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Puerto Rico (last reviewed 2025); Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences; US Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule; FCDO Consular Services Overview.
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.
View full guideSpeak to our team
We coordinate repatriations from every week. If you need someone to take over the arrangements, call us now.
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