Funeral repatriation guidance
Repatriation from to the UK
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How long does repatriation from Sint Maarten to the UK take?
Most repatriations from Sint Maarten take between 7 and 21 days. Princess Juliana Airport is one of the Caribbean's main hubs with direct KLM Amsterdam service, making Sint Maarten more accessible than many smaller Caribbean territories.
- Typical range: 7–21 days from death to repatriation to the UK.
- Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — Dutch civil law applies.
- Non-resident British Embassy The Hague handles all consular matters.
- The island is divided: Dutch Sint Maarten (south) and French Saint Martin (north) — different legal jurisdictions.
- Death registration via the Civil Registry of Sint Maarten, Philipsburg.
- KPSM (Korps Politie Sint Maarten) investigates non-natural deaths.
- Dutch documentation requires certified English translation.
- Direct KLM flights from Sint Maarten (SXM) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) for UK connections.
Sint Maarten suffered severe damage from Hurricane Irma in September 2017 but has substantially recovered. Confirm local funeral provider availability when arranging. If a death occurred on the French side of the island (Saint Martin), different French legal processes apply — contact the FCDO for guidance.
Step by step
The repatriation process from
Here is what happens after a death in , and what you or your appointed coordinator needs to do at each stage.
What you will need
Documents required for repatriation from
The following documents must be obtained before your loved one can be transported to the UK. Your local funeral director will help gather most of these.
We handle the paperwork
Our team coordinates with local funeral directors in to ensure all documentation is obtained correctly and on time.
What to expect
How long does repatriation from take?
Timelines vary depending on the circumstances of the death and the speed of local authorities. Here is a realistic guide.
Typical costs
How much does repatriation from cost?
Structured reference
Cost and requirement tables for
The tables below provide a clean reference format for quick comparison and extraction.
Repatriation cost and timeline summary
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Required documents summary
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Official support
British Embassy and consulates in
The British Embassy can provide assistance and information, but cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact them as early as possible.
Just found out? Start here
If a death in has just occurred and you are not sure what to do first, our step-by-step guide explains everything from the first call through to bringing your loved one home.
What to do if someone dies inWe are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in , please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step.
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Reviewed 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 · Full guide: what to do if someone dies in Sint Maarten · Frequently asked questions