Death Overseas

The death of a relative or friend is always distressing.  Trinidad and Tobago Overseas Missions will provide all possible assistance in dealing with the formalities that arise in these situations.

If a Trinidad and Tobago national dies overseas, what happens to the remains?

Through provisions in international law, the nearest Trinidad and Tobago Mission should always be notified of the death of a Trinidad and Tobago national.

How can the Trinidad and Tobago Mission help?

• The Mission can inform the next of kin.
• Where there is evidence of suspicious circumstances the Mission will advise the relevant local authorities.

What documents need to be produced when making the necessary arrangements?

• Copy of the passport of the deceased;
• letter from the Consulate/Mission confirming the authenticity of the documents produced for the transportation of the human remains;
• Embalming Certificate from the funeral home;
• permit to dispose of or transport human remains;
• the official Certificate of Death issued by the local Registrar of Deaths or similar authority;
• Exemplification of death record (issued by the department of health abroad).

How long will it take for the remains to be returned to Trinidad and Tobago?

This depends on local regulations and circumstances. In some cases it can take up to 2 weeks.

 
Will the Trinidad and Tobago Mission pay for the overseas funeral or the return to Trinidad and Tobago of the remains of a national or his/her effects?

No. This is a matter for the next of kin.  But the Missions can provide advice to assist in making the necessary arrangements.


 
Where to get more information

For more information or assistance, please contact the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy, High Commission or Consulate nearest to you.  Please follow the link below for a list of overseas missions.  The Consular staff will be pleased to help in any way they can.

Trinidad and Tobago Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates    


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