DEATH OVERSEAS: The Special Consular Services unit (SCS) at the U.S. Embassy in London can assist family and friends in the event of the death of an American citizen
in England and Wales. The SCS unit can act as liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and help with forwarding personal effects. The family or legal representative must pay all funeral home charges, shipping costs for the remains and personal effects (if applicable). The SCS unit will work with any funeral home selected by the family to ensure proper documentation for shipment of remains to the United States. We maintain a list of three funeral homes that are familiar with international shipping requirements. Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist in the United Kingdom, should be reported to the SCS unit so that a Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad can be issued. This document is necessary to settle legal and estate matters in the United States. The SCS unit can issue up to 20 copies of the Report, which is usually sufficient in number to
settle matters in the United States. For more information on this document, follow this link
(london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/scs/report_of_death_of_an_american_citizen_abroad.pdf).
The following general information is provided to assist families in making initial decisions. Indicated costs are estimates, based on deaths with no unusual circumstances, and should be considered as guides only. These estimates also relate only to costs incurred in England and Wales (inclusive of shipping). U.S. funeral home costs would be handled separately.
Funeral Directors
This U.S. Embassy in London assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the funeral directors.
Albin International Repatriation Ltd. (Kenyon Repatriation Ltd.),
83 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UL
Tel: 020-7313-6920
Fax: 020-7313-6999
E-mail: info@ albininternational.com
Website: http://www.albininternational.com
Homeland International (part of Edmund & Sons):
179-185 Stockwell Road, Brixton, London SW9 9SJ
Tel: 020-7978-8154
Fax: 020-7978-8156
E-mail: enquiries@homeland-international.co.uk
Website: http://www.homeland-international.co.uk
Rowlands Brothers International,
299-305 White Horse Road, Croydon CR0 2HR
Tel: 020-8684-2324
Emergency Telephone: 020-8684-1667
Fax: 020-8684-8000
E-mail: info@rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
Website: http://www.rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
PROFILE OF SERVICES AVAILABLE IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Cremation is the norm in England and Wales, with approximately 430,000 carried out each year, due to lack of burial plots, which can make internment very expensive.
Crematoria are widely available. The service for cremation is the same as that for burial, apart from the form of committal sentences. The service may take place in a church or chapel followed by a short committal service in the crematorium chapel. Alternatively, the whole service may be conducted in the crematorium chapel. Services can be as long or as short as the family wishes, by prior arrangement. Service requests may be made
through the funeral director. The cremation will follow immediately after the service, where possible. The Code of Cremation Practice requires that the cremation shall, wherever possible, take place on the same day as the cremation service. Without exception, the coffin will be cremated with the body. The Code of Practice prohibits the removal of anything from the coffin after it has been received from the chapel; it must be placed in the cremator exactly as received.
(1) MAXIMUM PERIOD BEFORE BURIAL:
British law does not place a time limit within which burial or funeral arrangements must be made. Remains are held free of charge at a public mortuary pending receipt of the next of kin’s instructions.
(2) EMBALMING:
There is no a time limit within which remains must be embalmed, nor a requirement for embalming remains for export from England and Wales or for import into the United
States. Next of kin are encouraged to consult their receiving funeral home to resolve any concerns about embalming, particularly if relatives wish to view the remains. Next of kin normally advise the funeral home or the Embassy, if, for religious or other reasons, the body should not be embalmed. In cases of HIV/AIDS-related deaths, or other highly contagious diseases, embalming may not always be possible. In those instances the body must be properly sanitized for shipment.
(3) CREMATION:
There is no time limit within which remains must be cremated.
(4) CASKETS AND CONTAINERS:
Coffins/caskets and air trays that are suitable for cremation, local burial, or international shipment of remains are available.
(5) EXPORTATION OF HUMAN REMAINS:
Whole remains must be contained in a zinc-lined, hermetically sealed coffin/casket. To facilitate the export of whole remains from England and Wales to the United States, the Embassy prepares a Consular Mortuary Certificate which includes flight details and consignee and incorporates the following documents: ;
26i) a certified copy of the local death certificate or the Coroner’s interim certificate when an inquest is pending
ii) an affidavit from the funeral director stating that the remains have been properly prepared and packed for shipment;
iii) an embalming or sanitization certificate, if appropriate; and
iv) the Coroner’s “Out of England” certificate permitting the removal of the remains from the Coroner’s jurisdiction.
(6) EXPORTATION OF HUMAN CREMAINS/ASHES:
Cremated remains may be exported if they are accompanied by certified copy of the local death certificate, the cremation certificate, and a statement from the crematorium or the funeral home confirming the urn contains only the ashes of the deceased. Airline passengers carrying cremated remains to the United States should declare the nature of the package to UK and U.S. customs, and use a non-metallic urn to allow screening. Unaccompanied cremains must be sent by airfreight.
7) COSTS:
Cost estimates are listed in U.S. dollars based on a February 1, 2009 ($1.58 = 1 British Pound Sterling). Exchange rates are subject to change.
(a) Local Burial: $9,000
Fees include collection and transportation of remains, funeral home charges, administrative fees, cost of private burial plot near London, and a brief service with
no mourners present. The cost of burial plots varies immensely and there are often different prices for borough (local) residents and non-residents. Burial costs in
England and Wales are extremely high due to limited cemetery space.
(b) Cremation and local disposal of ashes: $2,850
Fees include collection and transportation of remains, doctor’s certificates, crematorium fee, administrative fees, a brief service with no mourners present, and
scattering of ashes.
(c) Cremation and air shipment of ashes: $3,300
As (b) above, but also includes the collection of the ashes from the crematorium, packaging and forwarding to the consignee by air freight for collection from the
airport.
27(d) Preparation and shipment of whole remains: $2,250
(i) Preparation of remains for shipment, including local collection of remains, embalming, provision and preparation of a lightweight coffin in
accordance with established U.S. and international standards for shipment, administration of flight arrangements, preparation of all documentation,
notification of consignee and delivery to the airport.
(ii) Sample airfreight charges (average 140 kilos weight = 308.6 pounds) are based on the highest quotes provided by the three funeral homes regularly
used by the Embassy. The quotes are provided so next of kin are aware of the maximum they may be expected to pay. However, the Embassy has
requested that the funeral homes on our list provide any available reduced air freight rates to a particular destination whenever possible. Keep in mind
that these are estimates only:
London to Atlanta:
London to Chicago:
London to Houston:
London to Los Angeles:
London to Miami:
London to New York
$1,350
$1,300
$1,300
$1,285
$1,050
$1,050
(8) EXHUMATION:
Applications for exhumation must be made to the British Home Office. Exhumed remains and the original casket/coffin must be contained in an outer casket/coffin for
shipment. Exhumations may be carried out only before the opening of the cemetery to the public (i.e. normally at dawn, Monday to Friday). The cemetery charges a fee to open the grave. If the death occurred a number of years ago or the deceased died of an infectious disease, the environmental health office would also be involved in the
exhumation.
(9) AUTOPSIES:
An autopsy is mandatory in England and Wales when there is reasonable cause to suspect that the deceased died a violent or unnatural death or a sudden death of which the cause is unknown.
(10) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The three London-based funeral homes used by the Embassy have agreements with some airlines. As a result, transportation costs may be less expensive in certain cases. All of the funeral homes accept major credit cards, with the exception of American Express and Diners Club. One of the funeral homes, Albin International Repatriation, implements a 4 percent surcharge when a credit card is used.
For deaths outside of London, an additional $1.80/mile is charged by the London companies to cover travel costs.
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES
24 GROSVENOR SQUARE
LONDON W1A 2LQ
Request For Information For Preparation Of Foreign Service Report Of Death
Please provide the following information about the deceased and return the form to the
above address together with the death certificate and the deceased's U.S. passport or
naturalization certificate, or other proof of American citizenship. Please write clearly.
PERSONAL DATA
FULL NAME:____________________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:____________________________________________
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH:_______________________________________________
DATE OF DEATH:_______________________________________________________
PLACE OF DEATH:______________________________________________________
LAST U.S. ADDRESS_____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
LAST UK ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
NEXT OF KIN:
Name:________________________________Relationship:_______________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
TRAVELING OR RESIDING WITH RELATIVES OR FRIENDS AS FOLLOWS:
Name:____________________________________Relationship:____________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(please turn over)
30FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
BURIAL:
Name & address of Cemetery:_______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Grave number:___________________________________________________________
Date of burial:____________________________________________________________
CREMATION:
Name & address of
crematorium:_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
When & where ashes scattered, interred or held:_________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Date of cremation:_________________________________________________________
EFFECTS (property of the deceased):
CURRENT LOCATION OF EFFECTS:____________________________________
PERSON OR OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR CUSTODY & ACCOUNTING OF
EFFECTS:
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
31If the deceased received regular payments from any of the following, please give the
claim number and the amount received:
Social Security:___________________________________________________________
Veterans Administration:___________________________________________________
Civil Service:______________________ ______________________________________
Railroad Board:___________________________________________________________
THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.
Signature:__________________________________________________________
Name (printed)______________________________________________________
Relationship to deceased:______________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Tel No:____________________________________________________________
in England and Wales. The SCS unit can act as liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and help with forwarding personal effects. The family or legal representative must pay all funeral home charges, shipping costs for the remains and personal effects (if applicable). The SCS unit will work with any funeral home selected by the family to ensure proper documentation for shipment of remains to the United States. We maintain a list of three funeral homes that are familiar with international shipping requirements. Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist in the United Kingdom, should be reported to the SCS unit so that a Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad can be issued. This document is necessary to settle legal and estate matters in the United States. The SCS unit can issue up to 20 copies of the Report, which is usually sufficient in number to
settle matters in the United States. For more information on this document, follow this link
(london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/scs/report_of_death_of_an_american_citizen_abroad.pdf).
The following general information is provided to assist families in making initial decisions. Indicated costs are estimates, based on deaths with no unusual circumstances, and should be considered as guides only. These estimates also relate only to costs incurred in England and Wales (inclusive of shipping). U.S. funeral home costs would be handled separately.
Funeral Directors
This U.S. Embassy in London assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the funeral directors.
Albin International Repatriation Ltd. (Kenyon Repatriation Ltd.),
83 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UL
Tel: 020-7313-6920
Fax: 020-7313-6999
E-mail: info@ albininternational.com
Website: http://www.albininternational.com
Homeland International (part of Edmund & Sons):
179-185 Stockwell Road, Brixton, London SW9 9SJ
Tel: 020-7978-8154
Fax: 020-7978-8156
E-mail: enquiries@homeland-international.co.uk
Website: http://www.homeland-international.co.uk
Rowlands Brothers International,
299-305 White Horse Road, Croydon CR0 2HR
Tel: 020-8684-2324
Emergency Telephone: 020-8684-1667
Fax: 020-8684-8000
E-mail: info@rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
Website: http://www.rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk
PROFILE OF SERVICES AVAILABLE IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Cremation is the norm in England and Wales, with approximately 430,000 carried out each year, due to lack of burial plots, which can make internment very expensive.
Crematoria are widely available. The service for cremation is the same as that for burial, apart from the form of committal sentences. The service may take place in a church or chapel followed by a short committal service in the crematorium chapel. Alternatively, the whole service may be conducted in the crematorium chapel. Services can be as long or as short as the family wishes, by prior arrangement. Service requests may be made
through the funeral director. The cremation will follow immediately after the service, where possible. The Code of Cremation Practice requires that the cremation shall, wherever possible, take place on the same day as the cremation service. Without exception, the coffin will be cremated with the body. The Code of Practice prohibits the removal of anything from the coffin after it has been received from the chapel; it must be placed in the cremator exactly as received.
(1) MAXIMUM PERIOD BEFORE BURIAL:
British law does not place a time limit within which burial or funeral arrangements must be made. Remains are held free of charge at a public mortuary pending receipt of the next of kin’s instructions.
(2) EMBALMING:
There is no a time limit within which remains must be embalmed, nor a requirement for embalming remains for export from England and Wales or for import into the United
States. Next of kin are encouraged to consult their receiving funeral home to resolve any concerns about embalming, particularly if relatives wish to view the remains. Next of kin normally advise the funeral home or the Embassy, if, for religious or other reasons, the body should not be embalmed. In cases of HIV/AIDS-related deaths, or other highly contagious diseases, embalming may not always be possible. In those instances the body must be properly sanitized for shipment.
(3) CREMATION:
There is no time limit within which remains must be cremated.
(4) CASKETS AND CONTAINERS:
Coffins/caskets and air trays that are suitable for cremation, local burial, or international shipment of remains are available.
(5) EXPORTATION OF HUMAN REMAINS:
Whole remains must be contained in a zinc-lined, hermetically sealed coffin/casket. To facilitate the export of whole remains from England and Wales to the United States, the Embassy prepares a Consular Mortuary Certificate which includes flight details and consignee and incorporates the following documents: ;
26i) a certified copy of the local death certificate or the Coroner’s interim certificate when an inquest is pending
ii) an affidavit from the funeral director stating that the remains have been properly prepared and packed for shipment;
iii) an embalming or sanitization certificate, if appropriate; and
iv) the Coroner’s “Out of England” certificate permitting the removal of the remains from the Coroner’s jurisdiction.
(6) EXPORTATION OF HUMAN CREMAINS/ASHES:
Cremated remains may be exported if they are accompanied by certified copy of the local death certificate, the cremation certificate, and a statement from the crematorium or the funeral home confirming the urn contains only the ashes of the deceased. Airline passengers carrying cremated remains to the United States should declare the nature of the package to UK and U.S. customs, and use a non-metallic urn to allow screening. Unaccompanied cremains must be sent by airfreight.
7) COSTS:
Cost estimates are listed in U.S. dollars based on a February 1, 2009 ($1.58 = 1 British Pound Sterling). Exchange rates are subject to change.
(a) Local Burial: $9,000
Fees include collection and transportation of remains, funeral home charges, administrative fees, cost of private burial plot near London, and a brief service with
no mourners present. The cost of burial plots varies immensely and there are often different prices for borough (local) residents and non-residents. Burial costs in
England and Wales are extremely high due to limited cemetery space.
(b) Cremation and local disposal of ashes: $2,850
Fees include collection and transportation of remains, doctor’s certificates, crematorium fee, administrative fees, a brief service with no mourners present, and
scattering of ashes.
(c) Cremation and air shipment of ashes: $3,300
As (b) above, but also includes the collection of the ashes from the crematorium, packaging and forwarding to the consignee by air freight for collection from the
airport.
27(d) Preparation and shipment of whole remains: $2,250
(i) Preparation of remains for shipment, including local collection of remains, embalming, provision and preparation of a lightweight coffin in
accordance with established U.S. and international standards for shipment, administration of flight arrangements, preparation of all documentation,
notification of consignee and delivery to the airport.
(ii) Sample airfreight charges (average 140 kilos weight = 308.6 pounds) are based on the highest quotes provided by the three funeral homes regularly
used by the Embassy. The quotes are provided so next of kin are aware of the maximum they may be expected to pay. However, the Embassy has
requested that the funeral homes on our list provide any available reduced air freight rates to a particular destination whenever possible. Keep in mind
that these are estimates only:
London to Atlanta:
London to Chicago:
London to Houston:
London to Los Angeles:
London to Miami:
London to New York
$1,350
$1,300
$1,300
$1,285
$1,050
$1,050
(8) EXHUMATION:
Applications for exhumation must be made to the British Home Office. Exhumed remains and the original casket/coffin must be contained in an outer casket/coffin for
shipment. Exhumations may be carried out only before the opening of the cemetery to the public (i.e. normally at dawn, Monday to Friday). The cemetery charges a fee to open the grave. If the death occurred a number of years ago or the deceased died of an infectious disease, the environmental health office would also be involved in the
exhumation.
(9) AUTOPSIES:
An autopsy is mandatory in England and Wales when there is reasonable cause to suspect that the deceased died a violent or unnatural death or a sudden death of which the cause is unknown.
(10) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The three London-based funeral homes used by the Embassy have agreements with some airlines. As a result, transportation costs may be less expensive in certain cases. All of the funeral homes accept major credit cards, with the exception of American Express and Diners Club. One of the funeral homes, Albin International Repatriation, implements a 4 percent surcharge when a credit card is used.
For deaths outside of London, an additional $1.80/mile is charged by the London companies to cover travel costs.
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES
24 GROSVENOR SQUARE
LONDON W1A 2LQ
Request For Information For Preparation Of Foreign Service Report Of Death
Please provide the following information about the deceased and return the form to the
above address together with the death certificate and the deceased's U.S. passport or
naturalization certificate, or other proof of American citizenship. Please write clearly.
PERSONAL DATA
FULL NAME:____________________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:____________________________________________
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH:_______________________________________________
DATE OF DEATH:_______________________________________________________
PLACE OF DEATH:______________________________________________________
LAST U.S. ADDRESS_____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
LAST UK ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
NEXT OF KIN:
Name:________________________________Relationship:_______________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
TRAVELING OR RESIDING WITH RELATIVES OR FRIENDS AS FOLLOWS:
Name:____________________________________Relationship:____________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(please turn over)
30FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
BURIAL:
Name & address of Cemetery:_______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Grave number:___________________________________________________________
Date of burial:____________________________________________________________
CREMATION:
Name & address of
crematorium:_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
When & where ashes scattered, interred or held:_________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Date of cremation:_________________________________________________________
EFFECTS (property of the deceased):
CURRENT LOCATION OF EFFECTS:____________________________________
PERSON OR OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR CUSTODY & ACCOUNTING OF
EFFECTS:
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
31If the deceased received regular payments from any of the following, please give the
claim number and the amount received:
Social Security:___________________________________________________________
Veterans Administration:___________________________________________________
Civil Service:______________________ ______________________________________
Railroad Board:___________________________________________________________
THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.
Signature:__________________________________________________________
Name (printed)______________________________________________________
Relationship to deceased:______________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Tel No:____________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment