Emergency Services
Death of a U.S. Citizen
If an American citizen passes away while in South India, the U.S. Consulate can be of help during this difficult time. The American Citizen Services unit (ACS) can act as a liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and it can help forward any personal effects if there is no one in India to do so.
The 24-hour phone number for the Consulate is 2857-4000. (When calling from the U.S., please remember first to dial 011-91-44.)
Even if no assistance is needed, the death of an American citizen, whether a resident or a tourist, should be reported to the Consulate so that a “Consular 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.
Here is information about the kinds of assistance that the Consulate can offer:
Family wishes concerning disposition of remains. The Consulate can communicate with the next of kin and follow their wishes about the disposition of remains.
Indian regulations require that a deceased person must be cremated, buried, or embalmed within 72 hours of death. Only the embalmed remains can be held in cold storage until instructions are received from the next of kin about disposition of the remains.
The Consulate will assist in arranging documentation for those remains to be shipped to the U.S., and will oversee the preparations. All costs are the responsibility of the next of kin.
Mortuary and embalming services are limited in South India, and not up to U.S. standards.
Issuing a Consular Report of Death Abroad. This document is an official report written in English and is based on the Indian death certificate. It is acceptable in U.S. courts and is required for insurance purposes and settling an estate in the U.S. The Consulate will issue the Report when the next of kin or friend of the deceased brings the following documents to the Consulate:
Original death certificate from local authorities.
Doctor’s report with cause of death listed.
Original passport of the deceased. Please be aware that, to issue a Report of Death Abroad, a consular officer is required to cancel the deceased’s passport.
Costs. The Consulate regrets that it has no funds available to help with shipping remains or other costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Please do not hesitate to contact American Citizen Services at U.S. Consulate General Chennai if you have any questions.