Death of a Zimbabwean in the UK: What to Do in the First 72 Hours

Losing a family member is devastating under any circumstances. When it happens in the UK — far from home, often unexpectedly — the administrative and logistical demands that follow can feel overwhelming. Acting quickly and methodically in the first 72 hours makes everything that comes after more manageable. Here is what needs to happen, in order. ## The First Few Hours: Confirming and Reporting the Death If someone dies at home or in a public place, call 999. A doctor or paramedic must certify the death before anything else can proceed. If the person dies in hospital, the hospital's bereavement team will begin guiding you through the process. In cases where the cause of death is unclear, sudden, violent, or unnatural, the death will be referred to the coroner. This is routine and does not imply wrongdoing. The coroner may order a post-mortem examination. Until the coroner releases the body, the family cannot proceed with repatriation or funeral arrangements. This stage can take days or several weeks depending on the circumstances, so it is important to prepare accordingly and not book flights or make irreversible arrangements prematurely. ## Step 1: Register the Death in the UK All deaths in the UK must be registered within five days (England and Wales). You register the death at the local register office in the district where the person died. You will need: - The medical certificate of cause of death (issued by a doctor or hospital) - The deceased's NHS medical card, birth certificate, or passport if available The registrar will issue a death certificate. You will almost certainly need multiple certified copies — for insurance, the Zimbabwean embassy, funeral directors, banks, and the estate. Purchase at least five to eight copies at the time of registration; additional copies cost around £11 each in England and Wales. You will also receive a green certificate (form BD8 or its successor), which authorises burial or cremation. Give this to your funeral director. ## Step 2: Use the Tell Us Once Service The UK government's Tell Us Once service allows you to notify multiple government departments — HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Passport Office, the DVLA, and others — with a single notification. The registrar will give you a reference number to access this service online or by phone. It does not replace notifying banks, employers, private pension providers, or utility companies, which must be done separately. ## Step 3: Contact the Zimbabwe Embassy in London Notify the Embassy of Zimbabwe as early as possible. The embassy is located at 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR and can be reached on +44 20 7836 7755 or at zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Consular services are available 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The embassy can: - Advise on documentation required for repatriation - Liaise with UK authorities and funeral directors - Communicate with family members in Zimbabwe - Provide guidance on funeral service providers experienced in international repatriation The embassy cannot cover any costs associated with repatriation. That responsibility falls entirely on the family. ## Step 4: Notify Family in Zimbabwe This is deeply personal and culturally significant. In Zimbabwean tradition, how a death is communicated matters — ideally through a trusted relative or elder rather than a phone call or message from an unfamiliar person. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask a trusted community member or church leader to assist. Be mindful of time zones: Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of UK time in winter and one hour ahead during British Summer Time. For families who need assistance reaching relatives in rural Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe embassy can sometimes facilitate communication through official channels. ## Step 5: Engage a Funeral Director Experienced in Repatriation Not all UK funeral directors handle international repatriation. Engage one with specific experience in repatriating remains to Zimbabwe as early as possible — ideally within 24 to 48 hours of death. The following UK-based international funeral directors are known to handle Zimbabwe repatriations: - **Rowland Brothers International** — repatriation from UK to Zimbabwe starts from £2,300 - **Mears Repatriation** — repatriation fee from £2,410, contactable on +44 20 3455 0305 - **Homeland International** — estimated total cost approximately £4,110 These figures are starting points. Actual costs depend on the weight of the coffin, airfreight charges, casket type, and distance from collection point. Total repatriation costs typically range from £3,000 to £5,000 or more. The funeral director will handle most of the documentation, which for repatriation to Zimbabwe typically includes: - UK death certificate - Passport of the deceased - Embalming certificate - Freedom from infection certificate - Permission to remove the body from the UK (Out of England certificate from the coroner) - Airway bill ## Step 6: Check for Insurance Before committing to any expenditure, check whether the deceased held travel insurance, life insurance, or a policy through their employer or bank account. Some packaged current accounts include travel insurance that covers repatriation costs. Contact the deceased's bank, employer's HR department, and any insurers they may have used. If insurance is confirmed, notify the funeral director immediately — insurers often have preferred providers and specific claims processes. If no insurance exists, the family assumes full financial responsibility. The FCDO does not contribute to repatriation costs. ## Practical Notes for the First 72 Hours - Secure the deceased's passport and important documents early — these will be needed repeatedly - Do not post details of the death publicly on social media before close family in Zimbabwe has been informed - If the deceased had a will, locate it as soon as practically possible - If your right to remain in the UK was dependent on your relationship with the deceased, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to understand your options - Community organisations, Zimbabwean churches, and diaspora associations can provide emotional support and practical help during this period — do not try to manage everything alone