The death of a relative or friend is always distressing. But if it happens abroad the distress can be made worse by practical problems. After the death of a loved one abroad you are likely to have countless questions.

• What should I do now?
• How can I communicate with people in a foreign language?
• Who can I turn to for advice?

The Consular section of the High Commission in Kingston can register the death of a British Citizen. There is no obligation for the death of British nationals abroad to be registered with the British High Commission. However there are the advantages that a British form of death certificate is then available and that a record of the death is afterwards held at the General Register Office in the United Kingdom . If you wish to apply for this service, please complete and return a Death Registration Form (see below).

Which deaths may be registered?

The death of a British citizen by birth, naturalisation, registration or adoption in the United Kingdom , or a British Overseas Territories citizen by birth, naturalisation or registration in a dependent territory.

Before the application is processed, the Registration Officer must be satisfied as to the national status of the person whose death is to be registered. Documentary evidence of this must therefore be provided and should accompany the application. We will need to see:

(a) The original of the civil death certificate issued by the local authorities

(b) Evidence of the deceased's claim to British nationality,

e.g. full birth certificate OR full British passport OR certificate of naturalisation or of registration as a British national.

We need to see original documents, which will be returned to you as soon as possible. Photocopies of documents are not acceptable.

There are fees associated with registering a death and issuing a copy of the registration.

Deaths of persons who are Commonwealth citizens but NOT British citizens cannot be registered at the British High Commission.

Applicants are advised to apply to the nearest representative of the Commonwealth country concerned.