It’s difficult when a loved one or friend dies in a foreign country. Here are some steps to follow when the unfortunate incident occurs. Remember, you are upset and frightened and at times will feel lost, but you will get through it.
Important numbers to have:
US Consulate: 55 8526 2561 or 1-844-528-6611
Canadian Consulate: + 52 984 803 2411
Depending on where the death occurs, the initial steps can be different. If it’s in a hospital, the hospital can help you begin the procedure. If it occurs at home, there are different steps to follow. If there’s an accident or drowning, officials will be called, and the process will be initiated by them.
When my husband died ten years ago, here at home, the process was dictated by the fact that security was called since I lived in a gated community. Security called the police, who then called the local Coroner. I had paperwork from the doctors at Hospiten showing my husband was very ill, so an autopsy was not required. If an autopsy is required, you are not responsible for the cost.
I was fortunate to have my neighbor with me through the entire process, where she translated everything for me. I don’t know what I would have done without her.
If you go onto the US Consulate website, https://mx.usembassy.gov or the Canadian Consulate website, https://www.international.gc.ca there are links to help you through the process. I contacted the US Consulate in Playa del Carmen once we were at the funeral home. Contacting your property manager immediately, can also help with the process.
Below are some steps to follow.
Immediate Steps:
1. Contact a doctor of medial authority. A Certificado de Defunción (preliminary death record) must be issued prior to the body going to the funeral home.
2. Notify local authorities if the death is sudden, violent, or at home.
3. Call the funeral home. Funeral homes usually manage much of the process – arranging Mexican death certificates, notifying next-of-kin, consular paperwork, and burial or cremation. There are six funeral homes in Playa del Carmen and three in Tulum.
Civil Registry and Death Certificate:
1. The death certificate must be registered at the civil Registry (Registro Civil) where the death occurred in 24 to 72 hours.
2. Documents required typically include the medical death certificate, and ID of the deceased, and the informant’s ID. In some cases, the deceased birth or marriage certificate may be necessary.
3. Once registered, the Acta de Defunción can be used for legal matters.
Burial or Cremation:
1. Burial, cremation or embalming must normally occur within 12 to 48 hours, unless special authorization is obtained.
2. Embalming is required if the body is being transported internationally or over 100 KM with Mexico.
3. Cremation is permitted.
Repatriation of foreigners:
1. Contact your embassy or consulate promptly. They can assist with repatriation procedures and issue a consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA).
2. Required documents usually include Mexican death certificate, embalming certificate, health certificate and details of the transportation and destination.
3. The family or legal representative must arrange and pay for funeral costs, shipment, and transportation costs.
Practical Tips:
1. Engage a Spanish-speaker or translator if you do not speak Spanish. Your consulate can help you out with that process.
2. Keep multiple copies of all death related documents.
I know the process sounds daunting, but I had all the Mexican paperwork the day after my husband was brought to the funeral home. I paid for the funeral home expenses with a credit card, and had his cremated remains on the 
second day. The funeral home sent my husband’s passport to the US Consulate in Mérida.
I returned to the US two weeks after my husband died. About 30 days later, I received his passport, full of holes, and 20 US certified death certificates with an official seal. I had to set up a FedEx account to receive the passport and documents, which was easy to do.
I hope you never have to experience what I did, but it’s best to have an idea of the process in México.
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