U.S. Citizen Services
Services
Death of an American Citizen Abroad
- The death of an American citizen should be reported immediately to the consulate with jurisdiction over the place where the death occurred.
- A consular officer will notify the deceased's next-of-kin and inform him or her about options and costs for disposition of remains.
- If the next-of-kin wishes, the consular officer can act as his or her representative with local authorities.
- The Consular Section will prepare the necessary documents should the family choose to have the body returned to the U.S. Costs of preparing and returning a body to the U.S. are high and must be paid by the family.
- The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death, based on the Russian death certificate, which can be used in the U.S. to settle estate and other matters.