In the event that the sudden death takes place abroad, the death must be registered according to the law of that country in order to get a death certificate.

The death must also be registered with the British Consul in order that a record of the death will be kept in Scotland. To view the contact details of the UK's embassies, high commissions and consulates (also know as 'diplomatic missions' or 'posts') overseas, click HERE.

A copy of the record of death can subsequently be obtained from New Register House.

The family/relatives may wish to arrange a local burial or cremation or bring the body back to Scotland for burial or cremation. However, as not all countries allow a body to be removed, it is important to obtain permission from the appropriate authorities to remove the body. 

Returning a body to the UK is expensive, but the cost may be recovered by any travel insurance taken out by the deceased. If the death was on a package holiday, the tour operator should be able to help with arrangements.

Once the body is returned to the UK, it is important to tell the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the district where the funeral is arranged in order that the death certificate can be provided for the burial to take place. If a cremation has been arranged, permission also needs to be obtained from the Home Office.

If the death was not due to natural causes, the Procurator Fiscal may need to be told and an inquest may take place.

Funeral directors who belong to the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) have access to up to date information on overseas and repatriation procedures and documentation.