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 local authorities. Please note however, that laws on the repatriation of human remains differ from country to country. Some of the Trinidad and Tobago Overseas Diplomatic Missions may have specific guidelines regarding the submission of documents for deaths overseas. Click here to view our overseas diplomatic missions.
The Handbook on the Repatriation of Human Remains provides information on the procedures to be followed for three types of repatriations:
• 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. The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs supports the decisions made by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Security with respect to bringing in human remains.
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 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 the location 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 the injured loved one.
• Contact your family and friends to inform them of your situation.
• Safeguard your important documents.
• 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 or the hospital.
• Intervene with the authorities if there is an ongoing investigation.
• Provide translation services.
