Tuvalu
What Happens First: The Director of Health (DOH) and attending physician will determine the cause of death and notify the next of kin. If the next of kin is not in Tuvalu, he/she will be notified directly by the DOH or through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy. In some cases, notification is done through the employer of the deceased person.
Upon notification, the family will be asked whether or not the deceased will be buried in Tuvalu. If they ask for the body to be returned to the U.S., the DOH would have to decide whether that could be done. If it is possible, he will work with the family on the necessary preparations to return the body.
Death Certificate/Doctor's Certificate: The DOH will provide the death certificate.
Maximum Period Before Burial: There is no legislation concerning the maximum period allowed between death and burial, but the usual practice is that burial should take place within 24 hours after death. Decisions concerning timing are made by the DOH and attending physicians based on their assessment of the cause of death and the implications of keeping the body unburied for a longer period of time.
Embalming. Although there are embalming facilities in the country, these are limited to the use of the chemical formalin. There is a mortuary room, but there is no proper refrigeration facility.
Cremation: There are no cremation facilities in the country and no law governing cremation of human remains.
Caskets and Containers. Although local craftspeople might be able to prepare caskets and containers suitable for exportation of remains, such containers are not readily available. Lead for an inner lining is not available.
Exportation of Remains. There are no laws concerning exportation of remains, but the DOH would work with the family to try to make necessary arrangements to meet U.S. requirements and regulations.
Exhumation and Shipment. There are no laws concerning exhumation and shipment of remains. The DOH would work with the family concerning their request.
Approximate Costs. The cost for burial in Tuvalu will vary depending on the arrangements for the coffin. There is no designated cemetery and permission for land for burial must be requested from landowners. Tuvaluan officials have had no experience returning a body to the U.S. and were unable to give an estimate of that cost, but the cost from other islands in the South Pacific can range from USD 5,000-10,000.
Funeral Homes and/or Local Officials who can assist with Arrangements: Government officials would assist the family in making arrangements.