Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in US Virgin Islands
This guide explains what happens after a death in US Virgin Islands, 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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FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are a US organised territory in the Caribbean. US federal law governs body export alongside the UK Coroner import requirements. The territory comprises St Thomas, St John, St Croix, and Water Island — deaths on St John or Water Island require inter-island transfer to St Thomas before international repatriation can proceed.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Washington DC (+1 202 588 7800) handles formal consular matters; the Honorary British Consul in Barbados may assist with Eastern Caribbean cases.
Step 1: Notify the Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered with the USVI Vital Statistics Bureau. For non-natural deaths, the USVI Medical Examiner (based in St Croix) has jurisdiction and must issue clearance before the body can leave the territory.
Step 2: Inter-Island Transfer (St John and Water Island Only)
Deaths on St John or Water Island require ferry transfer to St Thomas before mortuary services and international arrangements can proceed. Add one to two days for this step.
Step 3: US Federal Export Requirements
All international body transfers from the USVI must comply with US federal requirements:
- Embalming to US federal standard
- US federal air transport certificate
- USVI Vital Statistics death certificate
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| USVI death certificate | US federal and UK Coroner requirements |
| Medical Examiner 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 5: Arrange the Flight
From St Thomas (STT) or St Croix (STX):
- American Airlines or United to Miami (MIA), then UK connections
- Via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) — British Airways direct to Heathrow is then available
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, US Virgin Islands (last reviewed 2025); USVI Medical Examiner; 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
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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