Death or Severe Injury or Illness Overseas
Dealing with the loss of a relative overseas can be challenging, especially if the country where the death occurred does not have Trinidad and Tobago diplomatic representation. The Consular Officers in the nearest Trinidad and Tobago Mission can assist you in dealing with authorities. Please note, however, that the laws on the repatriation of human remains differ from country to country. Some of our Overseas Diplomatic Missions may have specific guidelines with regards to the submission of documents for deaths overseas. Click here to view our overseas diplomatic missions.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following measures have been put in place with regard to the repatriation of human remains.
· The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has not authorized the shipment of COVID-19 positive human remains into Trinidad and Tobago.
· The COVID-19 status of the deceased national must be determined before approval is sought from the Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Health for the repatriation of the body.
· If family members wish to repatriate cremated ashes, then the requirement for the COVID-19 status of the deceased is WAIVED and is no longer necessary.
Please consult the Handbook on the Repatriation of Human Remains for information on the procedure to be followed for the three types of repatriation:
- Repatriation of human remains of nationals of Trinidad and Tobago
- Repatriation of cremated ashes of nationals of Trinidad and Tobago
- Repatriation of the human remains of non-nationals
Relatives are asked to contact the nearest Trinidad and Tobago Mission to submit the necessary documentation and not the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs supports the decisions made by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Security.
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs has no control over the duration of time it takes for approvals. The circumstances are unforeseen at this time as Trinidad and Tobago faces the challenges raised by the outbreak of Covid19, however all competent authorities treat matters of this nature with the utmost importance. Contact us at consular@foreign.gov.tt
What our Consular Officers CAN do:
Liaise with the nearest Trinidad and Tobago Mission or directly with the local authorities if there is no Mission to:
- help the relevant authorities to properly identify the body
- obtain the death certificate and autopsy report
- provide a list of funeral homes with whom you can liaise regarding the shipment of the body or cremated ashes;
- Provide a list of funeral homes in the country where the death occurred to make arrangements for your loved one’s remains to be properly buried in that country;
- In cases of suspicious deaths, Consular Officers can speak with police and local judicial authorities on your behalf and relay the findings of a case.
What our Consular Officers CANNOT do:
- Pay for the repatriation of the remains of your loved one to Trinidad and Tobago
- Pay for family members in Trinidad and Tobago to travel to where the death occurred
- File for insurance on behalf the family of the deceased.
- Pay for cremation or burial expenses in the country where the death occurred
- Investigate any crimes or get involved in any judicial proceedings in the case of a suspicious death
Severe Injury or Critical Illness
What our Consular Officers CAN do:
- Speak with officials in the hospital to gather information on the details surrounding the incident
- Visit the hospital where possible and report on the status of injured loved one
- Contact your family and friends to inform them of your situation
- Safeguard your important documents and other valuables
- Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers
- Provide a list of translators
What our Consular Officers CANNOT do:
- Pay medical bills for hospital stays
- Provide accommodation for you when you leave hospital
- Pay for your return airline tickets to Trinidad and Tobago
- Intervene and resolve non-payment for your medical bills with your insurance carrier
- Intervene with the authorities if there is an ongoing investigation
- Provide translation services
