A Coroner will investigate a death abroad if the body is brought back into his or her area and the apparent circumstances of the death would have led him or her to investigate it if it had occurred in England or Wales. The standards of service outlined, in particular in relation to post mortem examinations and inquests, may need to be varied due to arrangements following a death being different in other countries and difficulties receiving information from overseas.
The Coroner will issue a certificate for cremation in all cases coming from abroad where the body is to be cremated. If a cremation takes place abroad and the cremated remains are brought back into England or Wales, the Coroner cannot become involved.
Deaths abroad are not registered by the Registrar or Births and Deaths when the Coroner has finished his or her investigation, but are registered in the country where the death occurred.
Further information about what to do when a death occurs abroad can be found at
