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Death of a U.S. Citizen
 

If a U.S. citizen passes away while in India, the American Citizen Services Unit can act as a liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and help forward any personal effects if there is no one in India to do so.

The 24-hour phone number for the Embassy is 2419-8000. If you are calling from the United States, first dial 011-91-11-.

Consular Report of Death Abroad
Even if no assistance is needed, the death of a U.S. citizen, whether a resident or a tourist, should be reported to the Embassy so that a “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” can be issued. This report is necessary to settle legal and estate matters in the United States. It is an official report written in English and is based on the Indian death certificate.  More Information

The Consular Report of Death Abroad will be issued when the following documents are provided:

  • Original death certificate from local authorities.
  • Doctor's report with cause of death listed.
  • Original passport of the deceased. Please be aware that a consular officer is required to cancel the deceased's passport before the Consular Report of Death Abroad can be released.

Disposition of Remains

  • The Embassy can communicate with the next of kin and communicate their wishes about the disposition of remains to the local authorities.
  • Indian regulations require that a deceased person must be cremated, buried, or embalmed within 72 hours of death. Embalmed remains can be held in cold storage until instructions are received from the next of kin about disposition of the remains.
  • The Embassy will assist in arranging documentation for remains to be shipped to the U.S., and will assist with preparations according to the direction of the legal Next of Kin. All costs are the responsibility of the next of kin.
  • Please bear in mind that mortuary and embalming services are limited in India, and not always up to U.S. standards. The U.S. government does not provide funding to help with shipping remains or other costs associated with funeral arrangements.

For a detailed report on the costs and logistics of transporting remains to the U.S. or arranging burial or cremation services in India, please read the disposition of remains report here.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Embassy with questions by phone or by email at acsnd@state.gov.

If you are unsure which Embassy or Consulate to contact, check this list of consular districts and contact information.