Report Death Abroad

Report of Death Abroad

A Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad is a document prepared by the consular section and is based upon a death certificate issued by an issuing authority in Laos, usually a village or district chief. It can be used in U.S. courts to settle estate matters. 

A Consular Officer will prepare a Report of Death based on the Lao death certificate and other required documentation, including the deceased’s passport, social security number, affidavit of next of kin, and information showing that the American citizen is deceased, such as funeral photographs, or other documentation.

The Embassy will provide next of kin up to 20 copies of the Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad free of charge. 

Additional copies can be obtained subsequently by contacting the Department of State, Passport Services, Correspondence Branch, 1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20522-1705, tel (202) 955-0307. Submit a signed, written request including all pertinent facts along with requester's return address and telephone number. Effective June 1, 2002, there is a $30 fee for a certified copy of Reports of Death, and a $20 fee for each additional copy provided at the same time. Fees are payable to the Department of State. For the most up to date contact information, please visit the Family Issues section of the State Department’s Travel Website: www.travel.state.gov.

When an American dies abroad and the Embassy is notified by the Lao authorities, a Consular Officer will notify the American's next of kin and inform them about options and costs for disposition of remains. Returning the remains to the U.S. from Laos is a complex and expensive process. Costs for preparing and returning a body to the U.S. can be high ($4000+) and must be paid by the deceased’s family/friends in advance. If the next of kin chooses, cremations can be arranged locally.