Death abroad

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?

If a relative or friend dies while you are abroad with them

All deaths must be registered in the country where the death occurs. Your tour guide, the local police or the British Consul can advise you how to go about this. If you are anxious about coping in a foreign language or about any other problem, the British Consul will be able to help.

Make sure you have as much documentation as possible about the deceased and yourself. This should include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Where and when the passport was issued
• If you are not the closest relative yourself, next of kin of the deceased person
• Application form
• Consular fees

If the deceased was known to be suffering from an infectious condition, for example the hepatitis or HIV viruses, it is essential that the authorities be told so that they can take precautions against infection.

If a close relative or friend dies abroad while you are in the UK

If the death has been reported to a British Consulate overseas they will pass the details to the UK police who will immediately visit the next of kin and break the news.

If you hear of the death from a tour operator, the media, or any other third party you should contact the FCO on 020 7008 1500.

Consular staff in London will keep in touch with the family and the Consulate abroad until burial or cremation overseas or until the deceased has been brought back to the UK.

Consular staff in London will pass on to the Consulate overseas the wishes of the next of kin about disposal of the body. We will do our best to ensure these are carried out.

How can British Consuls help?

• They can keep the next of kin informed. Their job is to ensure you do not feel you are on your own.
• They can advise on the cost of local burial, local cremation and transport of the remains and personal property back to the UK.
• They can provide a list of local funeral directors. If an English-speaking firm is not available, Consulate staff will help you with the arrangements.
• Where there is evidence of suspicious circumstances they can press for an investigation by local authorities and pass on the results.

But a Consul cannot...

• Investigate deaths themselves.
• Pay burial or cremation expenses.
• Pay for the return of bodies to the UK.
• Pay any debts that may be outstanding.

The emotions you may experience after a major personal crisis such as the death of a loved one can be traumatic. It is important to remember that help is available.

British registration procedures for British Nationals

British nationals are able to register their child's birth at the British Embassy. The following original documents are required to register the birth;

1. Application form  (DOC, 42.0K)
2. Parent's evidence of British nationality
   a. When one or both of the parents hold a British citizen passport and were born in the UK, a passport is acceptable as evidence of nationality.
   b. If one or both of the British passport holders were born outside the UK, a birth certificate is required.
3. Parent's marriage certificate
4. Child's local birth certificate
   (e.g. hospital birth certificate in English)
5. Fee. The cost of registration and supplying a certified copy of the birth record are payable in Korean Won only. Details of the current fees can be found on service fee page.

Further documentary evidence may be requested to substantiate a claim to British citizenship.

Note

There is a time limit for non-Korean born children to be notified to Korean Immigration Department. Please consult the Korean Ministry of Justice for further information.

For Birth registration for children born before 1 July 2006

British fathers, who are not married, can now apply to register children who are born abroad, with the Home Office. It must be noted this is discretionary. Those applying should expect to receive a decision in 6 - 9 months. Please ask us for form MN1 Home Office web-site. The fee is not refundable.

For Birth registration for children born after 1 July 2006

When the parents are not married, and

1. Local birth certificate issued within 1 year of the child's birth and shows the father's name:
   • Child's official local birth certificate (issued by the hospital in Korea)
   • Documentary evidence of father and/or mother's nationality status: UK full-length birth certificate (*) or naturalisation or registration certificate
   • Both parents' passports
   • Child's Korean passport (if applicable)
     
     The British Embassy in Seoul will register the birth and issue a birth certificate.  We need 5 working days from the date of the application.
     
2. Local birth certificate issued after the child is 1 year old or it does not show the British father's name.
   The child has no automatic claim to British nationality. However, the British father can apply to the Home Office to register the child as a British national. It must be noted this is discretionary. The Embassy can provide application form MN1 and guidance notes (they can also be downloaded from Home Office's web-site.
   The Embassy only acts as a post box and the application will be sent to the Home Office for consideration. Those applying should expect to receive a decision in 6-9 months.
   
   * We require the long form birth certificate of the parent transmitting nationality (ie with both parents' names on it). If you do not already have your long form birth certificate, you may obtain it from the General Register Office

Notes on British Nationality

You will be able to transmit your British nationality to your child born overseas if you acquired your British nationality "otherwise than by descent". If you were born in the UK, naturalised in the UK or (in some, but not all cases) registered in the UK, you acquired your British nationality otherwise than by descent. If you are not sure, please ask us for further advice.

If you were born overseas to a British parent, you acquired your British nationality "by descent" (unless your father was in Crown Service at the time of your birth). Your child born overseas will not automatically have a claim to British nationality but it may be possible to register him or her as a British Citizen at the Home Office ask us for form MN1. If your intentions are to settle in the UK you will be advised to apply in the UK.

British mothers, whether married or not, may transmit their nationality to their children. However, in order to include the father's name on the birth certificate we require either the parents' marriage certificate or the child's local birth certificate with both parents' names on it or paternity declarations signed by both parents in person at the British Embassy.

The consular fees chargeable (these may change without notice) can be found here.

Birth / Death frequently asked questions

Q: How do I register a birth that has taken place overseas?

A: The Consulate will need to see certain documents to prove the nationality of the child, including the following: the child's local birth certificate, full birth certificates for both parents or other evidence of British nationality; parent's marriage certificate, British passport of either the child's father or mother.

Q: Do I have to register the birth at the Embassy?

A: There is no obligation for the birth of a British national overseas to be registered at the Consulate. But it can be useful to have a British form of birth certificate and for the birth to be recorded at the General Register Office in the UK.

Q: If I die overseas, what happens to my body?

A: Your next of kin will be consulted about your wishes and every effort will be made to meet these. In some countries, egGreece and Spain, some organs may be removed during post mortems to determine the cause of death. These are not necessarily reunited with the body before repatriation or burial.

Q: If I am alone, how will my relatives learn of my death?

A: Depending on the circumstances, the Consul will pass the information to the FCO in London who will ask the local police to inform your next of kin.

Q: Will the Embassy pay for my funeral overseas or to have my body brought back to the UK?

A: No. This is a matter for your next of kin and your insurance company.

Q: If my relative or friend dies overseas, will I have to go there myself?

A: It is not normally necessary for you personally to visit the country to make the burial arrangements. The Consul can normally arrange for a competent local undertaker to arrange everything for you.

Q: What should I do about the estate of my relative who has died overseas?

A: You should think about appointing a local lawyer to handle the estate.

Q: Must I register a death overseas at the Embassy?

A: You do not have to register the death at the Consulate. But many people do prefer to have a British death certificate which the Consulate can provide. 

Marriage procedures in Korea for British Nationals

Introduction

British nationals are able to go through a civil marriage under article 812 of the Korean Civil Code of 1960. Both parties register with the local authorities and the Embassy notarises the necessary documents. A religious ceremony does not constitute a legal marriage, unless a civil marriage has also take place. The documents listed below are required by the Korean government, as you will be married under the laws of Korea. These documents essentially replace the Family Census Registry that a Korean citizen presents when s/he wants to get married.

Documentation

The following documents are required:

• Proof of citizenship for the British party (e.g. a passport).
• If one of the parties is Korean; 
  • Family Relationship Certificate (Gajok Gwangae;가족관계 증명서): 1 Copy in Korean and 1 notarised English translation
  • Marriage/Single Status Certificate (Hone In Gwangae;혼인관계 증명서): 1 Copy in Korean and 1 notarised English translation
  • Valid Korean identification card (Jumin Deungnok Jeung; 주민등록증) and name stamp.
  • Proof of termination of any prior marriage(s)
  • Written parental consent, if the Korean national is under 20 years of age (Two copies in Korean and English).   If the parents are deceased, the legal guardian must give permission.   The age of consent in the United Kingdom is 18
    
    These requirements for the Korean partner are intended as a quick summary. The full story, in Korean, is available from the ward or city office nearest you. The above documents are not British Embassy requirements, but allow you to register your marriage in your Korean family census register. Follow this website http://www.seoul.go.kr/v2007/oneclick for the guidance  from the Seoul central office.
    
    If your Fiance/Fiancee is not a Korean Citizen, s/he should contact his/her own Embassy for information on what is required to marry in Korea.  If this does not exist, consult the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Consular Division.
    
• If the British party has been married previously, an original or notarised copy of the Decree Absolute.

Procedures

• Obtain three blank copies of the Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage  (DOC)  and  Report and Certificate of Marriage  (DOC, 24.0K) 
  • From the Consular Section of the Embassy and complete up to question "Date divorce final".
  • "Mother's maiden name" is to be completed in full; not only surname.
  • Korean nationals should enter their identity card address under "present address" and their birthplace and family home from the Family Census Register as their "permanent address".
  • "Citizenship proven by" should be answered by "Family Census Register".
  • British nationals should give a "permanent address" in their country of nationality, even if they now live elsewhere (the local authorities will not accept a permanent address in any other country). The "present address" should be givien as "c/o British Embassy, 4 Chung-Dong, Chung-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea".   "Citizenship proven by" should be entered as "Passport No..............".
  • The local authorities prefer typewritten forms.   If manuscript is the only available option, use block capitals and black ink.
  • Once fully completed and endorsed, is a legally binding document. Care should be taken when completing the forms. If an error is made, complete a new form. Do not use correction fluid.
• Bring the completed forms, with the documentation to the Consular Section of the Embassy.   The British party will be required to swear on oath. An appointment is necessary.
• Next, take the documents to the Korean authorities.   Local regulations stipulate that these should be submitted personally to the Ward Census Office (WCO) where the Korean party's records are filed.   However, some ward offices in Seoul, such as Jong Ro-Gu, will accept documents on behalf of others.   If neither party is Korean, any WCO may be used, details of which can be provided by the Embassy.  The WCO requires applicants to complete and sign Affidavit forms in Hangul (Korean) which are then stamped.
  • The Mayor's signature is then put on the form.
  • The regulations stipulate that two witnesses (of any nationality) must endorse both English and Hangul forms. A personal appearance by witnesses may not be necessary, e.g. if the forms have been correctly completed and witnessed prior to submission.   Please confirm this with the WCO.
• Once the above is done, bring the " Report and Certificate of Marriage  (DOC, 24.0K)" back to the Embassy for notarisation of the Mayor's signature. One copy of the form will be retained by the Embassy.
  • After endorsement by a British Consular Officer, this certificate is valid under UK and Korean law.
  • For British nationals, the Embassy will forward, on request and payment of an additional fee, a copy of the  " Report and Certificate of Marriage  (DOC, 24.0K)" to the General Register Office in Southport (Edinburgh or Belfast for those born in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively) for permanent inclusion in the Public Records of the United Kingdom (Under the provisions of Article 7(1) of the Foreign Marriage Order, 1970).   Certified copies of the marriage certificate may then be obtained from the General Register Office at any time in the future.

Fees

• Attesting or legalising a signaure or seal: £27 x2 (for 2 copies of the Report and Certificate of Marriage)
• Administering an oath or receinving a declaration or affirmation: £53 x 2 (for 2 copies of the Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage)
• Please click here for consular fees.

Notes

Procedures vary between WCOs and changes are not always notified to the Embassy.   Please seek clarification from the WCO which you intend to use.
Sept 1999

Forced Marraige

Q: I am frightened that I may be forced into marriage during a family visit overseas. What should I do?

A: You should think about whether you really want to go.

• Once you are abroad:
• You may be isolated
• You may face emotional pressure
• You may be watched all the time
• You may have no money
• You may not have your passport or ticket
• You may be a long way from a telephone

If you still decide to go you should:

• Leave with a trusted friend:
• Full address, telephone number of where you are going to stay abroad
• Your passport details
• All flight details (there and back)

You should also:

• Keep on you the telephone numbers of the British High Commission/Embassy in the country you are visiting
• Try to take some money with you
• Call the Community Liaison Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0230 before you go.

Q: My sister/cousin/friend has not returned from a family visit overseas. I think she may have been abducted and perhaps forced into marriage. How can you help me?

A: You should contact the Community Liaison Unit on 020 7008 0230. It will help if you can give us as many details as you can about exactly where the person has gone, when they were due back and when you last heard from them. We will then contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy on your behalf. They will then try and make contact with the person and see whether they need our help.

Q: I was forced into marriage overseas. Can you refuse to issue my 'husband' a visa to come here?

A: We may be able to help but you need to be prepared to make public the fact that you do not want your 'husband' to join you in the UK. Please call the Community Liaison Unit on 020 7008 0230 and we will advise you.

Q: What is being done to tackle forced marriages?

A: Since the agreement of a Joint Action Plan in August 2000 the FCO and the Home Office have been working closely with other Government departments, voluntary organisations and the police, to support people at risk of being forced to marry against their will. The FCO/Home Office Joint Action Plan was produced in response to the report of the working group on forced marriages ‘A Choice by Right’.

Marriage / Adoption

Q: How do I find out about getting married overseas?

A: You should consult the Embassy or High Commission in London of the country concerned or the British Consulate in the district where the marriage is to take place.

Q: Can I get married in the Embassy?

A: Only Consulates which hold a marriage warrant can conduct marriages in British diplomatic premises. There are very few left. You should check with the Consul.

Q: Can I get a British marriage certificate from the Embassy?

A: No. If you marry under local law, the local authorities will issue a marriage certificate.

Q: If a Briton gets married overseas, is the marriage legal in Britain?

A: You will need take legal advice from a British lawyer on the validity of an overseas marriage in the UK.

Q: Can I register my marriage in the UK?

A: No. But under the Foreign Marriage Order 1970, British nationals who marry in a foreign country may arrange for their marriage certificate to be deposited at the General Register Office in the UK. This is not compulsory and does not affect the validity of the marriage. This facility is not available for marriages which have taken place in Commonwealth countries.

Q: Can my spouse have a British passport?

A: If your spouse gets a visa to settle in the UK with you, he/she will become eligible to apply for naturalisation after three years of residence in the UK.

Q: How do I adopt a child from another country?

A: The procedures for adopting a child from overseas vary significantly depending on the nationality of the child you wish to adopt. The Department of Health's website contains detailed information on inter-country adoptions.

Adopting a child from another country does not automatically confer British nationality on that child, so you need to be aware that a UK visa must be obtained before you can bring the child to the UK.

Dual nationality

Q: I have dual nationality. Will the Embassy help me when I am in the country of my second nationality?

A: Under international law the Consulate cannot provide formal consular assistance to a British dual national in his/her second country of nationality. But we will do whatever we can informally for those dual nationals who normally live in the UK.

Q: Will I be eligible for national service?

A: This depends on the laws of the country of your other nationality. Possession of British nationality does not remove this requirement. Some countries waive the requirement for National Service for dual nationals habitually resident in another country. You should check with the country’s relevant London Embassy for further details.

Dual Nationality

British Consuls protect the interests of Britons abroad. If you are British and also a national of another country then you are a dual national. Being a dual national can affect the level of consular help you receive. This page explains what dual nationals can expect from a British Consul.

If you have some connection with a foreign or Commonwealth country, for example, by birth, by descent through either parent, by marriage or by residence, you may be a national of that country in addition to being a British national. You should check with the authorities of any other country with which you are connected. It is for them, and not for Her Majesty's Government, to determine whether you hold the nationality of their country. Acquisition of British nationality or citizenship does not necessarily cause you to lose your nationality of origin.

Some countries expect their dual nationals to travel on their national passports under certain circumstances. For example, the USA expects its dual nationals to use an American passport for travel to and from the United States. You should check with the authorities of your other nationality. The London addresses of foreign and Commonwealth diplomatic and consular representatives are available on the website.

Consular care available for dual nationals

Her Majesty's Government (HMG) provides consular protection to all British nationals overseas. HMG has a direct interest in and takes seriously reports of British nationals in distress. In providing consular help, HMG does not draw a distinction between different categories of British nationals (for example British citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Dependent Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, etc). Nor does HMG distinguish between those who have acquired British citizenship through residence in the UK or by other means. All receive equal treatment. But international law limits our ability to provide full consular protection to dual nationals in the country of their other nationality.

If you are a dual national in the country of your other nationality

If you are a British national and you are in the country of your second nationality, the British Consul cannot formally help you. There are legal limits to what we can formally do in such circumstances. The authorities of your other nationality are entitled to take the view that HMG has no standing in this matter. If under the law of that country you are liable for any obligation such as military service, the fact that you are also a British national does not provide exemption. However, even if we are unable to act formally, we will always do everything we can to help informally.

If you are in a country of which you are not a national 

Consular help will normally be provided by the country on whose passport you are travelling.

The British Consul can...

• Issue emergency passports.
• Contact relatives and friends and ask them to help you with money or tickets.
• Advise on how to transfer funds.
• At most Posts, in an emergency, advance money against a sterling cheque for up to £100 supported by a banker's card valid for the appropriate amount.
• As a last resort, and providing that strict criteria are met, make a repayable loan in exceptional circumstances for repatriation to the UK or other country of nationality. But there is no law that says the Consul must do this, and the Consul will need to be satisfied that there is absolutely no one else who can help.
• Help you get in touch with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors.
• Arrange for next of kin to be informed of an accident or a death and advise on procedures.
• Contact and visit you if you are under arrest or in prison and, in certain circumstances, arrange for messages to be sent to relatives and friends.
• Give details of organisations experienced in tracing missing persons.
• In certain circumstances make representations on your behalf to the local authorities.

BUT Consuls cannot...

• Intervene in court proceedings.
• Get you out of prison.
• Give legal advice or instigate court proceedings on your behalf.
• Get better treatment for you in hospital or prison than is provided for local nationals.
• Investigate a crime pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other bills.
• Pay for your travel tickets, except in very special circumstances.
• Obtain accommodation, work or a work permit for you.
• Undertake work more properly done by travel representatives, airlines, banks or motoring organisations.