Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Sint Maarten
This guide explains what happens after a death in Sint Maarten, 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.
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What to Do When Someone Dies in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is the Dutch half of a divided Caribbean island — the southern portion belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten), while the northern portion is French (Saint Martin). This distinction matters enormously: they are separate jurisdictions with different legal systems. This guide covers the Dutch side only.
Sint Maarten operates under Dutch civil law. Non-resident British consular support is provided by the British Embassy in The Hague. Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) has direct KLM service to Amsterdam for UK connections.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The British Embassy The Hague (+31 70 427 0427) handles Sint Maarten on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Confirm Jurisdiction
If the death occurred on the French side of the island (Saint Martin): different French legal processes apply. French civil registration, French consular support, and FCDO guidance specific to France/French overseas territories apply. Contact the FCDO to clarify jurisdiction.
If the death occurred on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten, south of the border): proceed with the steps below.
Step 2: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Civil Registry of Sint Maarten. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, The Hague.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The Civil Registry issues documents in Dutch. A certified English translation is required for UK Coroner use. Your specialist firm arranges this.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| KPSM clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Sint Maarten authorities |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, The Hague |
| UK Coroner notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has direct KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). UK connections from Amsterdam are frequent. Miami and New York connections are alternatives.
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.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Netherlands and Caribbean territories (last reviewed 2025); Civil Registry of Sint Maarten; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy The Hague.
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
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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