Death on Holiday — What to Do? Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Stay calm and get an overview

A death on holiday is one of the most distressing situations a family can experience. Despite the shock, it is important to act with composure. In most countries there are clear official procedures, and professional repatriation services such as Ritual Service24 handle the majority of the arrangements.

First, make a note of the essential facts: place of death, name of the hospital or hotel, and the responsible local authority. This information will be required for all subsequent steps.

Step 2: Contact local police and a doctor

In almost all countries, the local police must be notified first in the event of a death. A doctor issues the death certificate — this document is the basis for all further steps. If the death occurs in a hotel or holiday resort, the staff will often make the initial notifications.

Important: Do not move the deceased without official authorisation. In many countries a police investigation is required, particularly where the cause of death is unclear. The European emergency number 112 works in all EU member states.

Step 3: Contact the German embassy or consulate

The German diplomatic mission is your most important point of contact. The embassy or consulate assists with the official registration of the death, communication with local authorities and the issuance of the mortuary pass. An emergency duty service is available outside office hours.

The Federal Foreign Office operates a 24/7 crisis hotline: +49 30 5000-0. Have the deceased's passport and your own documents ready.

Step 4: Instruct an international repatriation service

Once the official formalities have been initiated, you should contact an experienced repatriation service. Ritual Service24 coordinates the entire repatriation: from embalming and procuring the zinc coffin through to document organisation and air transport.

The cost of a repatriation varies between 2,500 and 7,000 euros depending on the country. We provide you with a transparent quotation within 30 minutes — free of charge and without obligation.

Step 5: Notify your insurance

Notify your travel insurance as early as possible. Most international health insurance policies and the ADAC Auslandsschutzbrief cover repatriation costs in the event of death. Important: Keep all receipts and invoices.

We work regularly with all major insurers and clarify cost coverage directly on your behalf. Find out more in our insurance comparison 2026.

Document checklist: What you need

Special circumstances: Accident, violent crime, suicide

In the case of an unnatural death (accident, violent crime, suicide), an official post-mortem may be ordered, which can delay the process by several days. In such cases, cooperation with the embassy is particularly important. We are familiar with local procedures in over 50 countries and can reduce the waiting time for you.

In the event of a death outside the EU, stricter regulations often apply. Some countries require additional WHO certificates, multiple legalisations or special permits. Our team takes care of all requirements.

FAQ: Death on Holiday

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