Get help from MFA
When a death happens overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission can give information on:
- how to register the death with the respective local authorities
- the burial or cremation options in that country
- how to bring the body or ashes back to Singapore
All costs have to be paid for by the family.
If someone dies while you are overseas with them
Get support from your tour guide or the local police to:
- find the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission
- or contact the MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800
If someone dies overseas while you are in Singapore
You might have learnt the death of a relative or a friend through a tour operator, the media, or any other third party. If so, you should contact the:
- Consular Directorate
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tanglin
Singapore 248163
+65 6379 8800 - or the MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800
Things to decide
Once you have started to handle the death of a Singaporean overseas, you will have to:
- notify the insurance company immediately if the deceased had bought a travel insurance plan which covers death overseas and the repatriation of remains
- decide who would travel overseas to identify the body, register the death and handle the repatriation of remains
- decide if you want to hire a funeral director to help with the repatriation of remains
- engage a funeral director in the country where the death has occurred and in Singapore to help with funeral arrangements
