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Death Abroad - FAQ

1. How do I report the death of a Canadian citizen abroad?
   
   
2. Do I need to register the death abroad of a Canadian citizen?
   
   
3. How do I have the remains of a loved one deceased abroad returned to Canada?
   
   
4. How can consular officials help?
   
   
5. Where can I obtain emergency financial assistance in case of a death abroad?
   

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1.   How do I report the death of a Canadian citizen abroad?

To report the death of a Canadian citizen abroad, contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad or our Emergency Operations Centre. The Emergency Operations Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For contact details, see our FAQs on Crisis Situations.

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2.   Do I need to register the death abroad of a Canadian citizen?

You should register the death according to local regulations and obtain a death certificate from the proper authorities. You may need a local death certificate (authenticated and translated if necessary by officials at the nearest Canadian government office abroad) in order to register the death with the Vital Statistics Office of the Canadian province or territory where the deceased last resided. A fee is charged for each service provided, starting at CAN$50 per service. Consult the Consular Fees section for details.

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3.   How do I have the remains of a loved one deceased abroad returned to Canada?

Having the remains of a loved one returned to Canada requires the assistance of qualified funeral homes both in Canada and in the country where the death occurred. You should contact the appropriate Canadian government office abroad for assistance as well as our Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa. 

The amount of time required for the repatriation of remains can vary greatly and is determined by a number of factors, including the location and cause of death. When the death is the result of natural causes, remains can be more quickly repatriated. When the death is the result of a crime, a suicide, or an accident, repatriation of remains can take much longer. 

Confirm whether any travel health insurance purchased by the deceased will cover the preparation and repatriation of remains to Canada or, alternatively, cremation or local burial.

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4.   How can consular officials help?

Canadian consular officials overseas and in Ottawa can assist families in making all necessary arrangements in such situations. The cause of death determines some of the actions that need to be taken. If Canadian consular officials are notified of the death first, they will make arrangements through the RCMP to have the appropriate Canadian police service contact the next of kin and put the family in touch with consular officials in Ottawa. The family will then need to decide whether to have the remains returned to Canada or buried or cremated in the other country. Consular officials can then assist with the following:

• With permission from the next of kin, returning the remains to Canada at the earliest possible time. Travellers may encounter security concerns if they are transporting cremated remains in urns. Contents may be subject to X-ray examination. Check with the appropriate foreign government office accredited to Canada to inquire about country-specific exit requirements.
• Obtaining appropriate documentation, including a death certificate, an autopsy report, and police reports, where applicable.
• Obtaining information on the circumstances surrounding the death.
• Obtaining information on police investigations, arrests, and court proceedings, if the death was the result of murder or suicide. The investigation into the death of a Canadian abroad is the sole responsibility of the local authorities.
• Returning personal effects to Canada or making arrangements for disposal in the other country.
• At the request of the next of kin, providing documentation to insurance companies to assist in the payment or investigation of claims.

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5.   Where can I obtain emergency financial assistance in case of a death abroad?

All costs related to repatriation of remains and personal belongings must be borne by the client or applicable insurance company.

The Department of Justice Canada provides financial assistance to Canadians who are victims of violent crimes abroad, in situations of undue hardship where no other source of financial assistance is available. The specified crimes are homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, or assault with serious personal violence.

See our FAQs on Financial Assistance for further information.