Death of an American Citizen abroad

In the event of the death of an American Citizen in Australia, please contact the Consulate General serving your area.

Please be aware that you will be asked to provide as much as possible of the following information relating to the deceased:

• Name
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death (e.g. name and address of the hospital)
• Cause of death (if known)
• Most recent U.S. passport number
• Social Security Number
• Military I.D. number (if applicable)
• Name and contact details of the next of kin
• Most recent address in Australia

The U.S. Consulate can assist the family in making arrangements with local authorities for preparation and disposition of the remains, following the family's instructions in accordance with local law.

A consular “Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” will be prepared. This is a report that provides the essential facts concerning the death of a U.S. citizen, disposition of remains, and custody of the personal effects of a deceased citizen.

For further information please see Death of U.S. Citizens Abroad and Return of Remains of Deceased Americans.

For the Canberra area, please see the Disposition of Remains Report memo.

Last update: Monday, 29 September 2008 GMT+1000