Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Svalbard
This guide explains what happens after a death in Svalbard, 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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+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian Arctic archipelago approximately 1,300 km north of mainland Norway. Norwegian law applies. The Governor (Sysselmannen) in Longyearbyen is the sole civil and emergency authority. All documentation is in Norwegian — a certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Oslo (+47 23 13 27 00) handles Svalbard on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Notify the Governor and Local Authorities
All deaths in Svalbard must be reported to the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmannen). Non-natural deaths are investigated under Norwegian law before the Governor issues clearance. In field deaths — glacier accidents, polar bear attacks, wilderness incidents — the Governor coordinates search and rescue and recovery operations first. Do not attempt to recover a body in remote terrain without Governor coordination.
Register the death with the British Embassy, Oslo.
Step 2: Field Death Transfer to Longyearbyen
Deaths anywhere outside Longyearbyen — at Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund, Pyramiden, on glaciers, or in the wilderness — require transfer to Longyearbyen before international repatriation can proceed. This may involve helicopter, snowmobile, or boat depending on location and season. The Governor’s office coordinates this.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The death certificate is issued through the Norwegian civil registration system. A certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Governor (Sysselmannen) clearance | Required before departure |
| SAS or charter cargo documentation | Air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
No cremation is available in Svalbard. The body is repatriated for cremation in Norway or the UK.
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
SAS and Norwegian flights from Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), then UK connections from Oslo. Arctic storms can close the airport for days — build significant contingency into scheduling.
Step 6: 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, Svalbard (last reviewed 2025); Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmannen); Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy Oslo.
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
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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