Report Death Abroad

Death of an American Citizen in Mongolia

Death is a time of crisis for one's family and friends no matter where it takes place. If death occurs overseas the experience can be even more traumatic, especially if the procedures involved are not clearly understood. Consequently, we in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar hope this information is useful to the American community in Mongolia.

Any death of a U.S. citizen should be reported immediately to the police and to the Embassy. During working hours the appropriate Embassy office is the Consular Section (telephone: 976-11-329-095). After duty hours, the Embassy duty officer should be contacted as soon as possible at 99-11-41-68.

The Embassy is required to report the death of American civilians to their next of kin and to the Department of State. Consequently, we need to know the deceased person's name, date and place of birth, passport number, date and place of death, cause of death, and location of the remains. We also need the full name and address of the next of kin and any instructions regarding funeral arrangements.

The Mongolian authorities routinely order the removal of the remains from the place of death to the mortuary or hospital.  In Ulaanbaatar the remains are usually sent to the “Ulaanbaatar Buyan” Company(Tel: 327-607, Fax:328-036). When the next-of-kin’s instructions regarding the disposition of the remains are received, the Consular Section will advise the hospital whether the body is to cremated or embalmed.

The cost of both burial and cremation in Ulaanbaatar is estimated to be US$ 500-800. The cost will vary depending on where the remains must be transported and the quality of casket desired.
 
In Ulaanbaatar coffins are readily available and can be procured from the Funeral Service Bureau of the city, the "Buyan" Company. The company produces both plain and decorated caskets. Burial plots are free of charge. The company is located in the Sukhbaatar district, close to the parking lot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can be reached at 327-607, 329-650, 328-036 and 329-739. 

Embalming

Embalming, although generally not up to U.S. standards, is available in Ulaanbaatar and other urban areas where adequate hospital facilities are available. There is no specified time within which embalming must be performed. However, if the remains are going to be shipped out of Mongolia, the remains of the body can be kept in a morgue without embalming until transportation takes place.

Cremation

Cremation has started recently in Mongolia as demand is increasing.  The next-of-kin, or the responsible party should contact the cremation service for contract information for cremation service. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays may be booked for the crematorium because of  Mongolian traditions. 

Exportation of Remains

Exporting remains requires the permission of the local health organization. After customs inspection, the zinc lining of a casket meeting international transportation standards must be welded shut. A certificate must then be obtained from the Legal and Consular Division of the Ministry of External Relations certifying the content. The remains can be transported from Mongolia by air by Mongolian Airlines (MIAT). The Foreign Relations and Flight Operations department are in charge of these issues and can be reached at 984070. The International Air Cargo department sets all prices to cities worldwide. They can be reached at 379935.

Average cost (depending on the total weight) of transportation of remains from Ulaanbaatar to the following cities is:

Ulaanbaatar – Washington, D.C.     $ 3600

Ulaanbaatar – New York                $ 3400

Ulaanbaatar – Los Angeles             $ 3300

Examination

Examinations can be performed with permission of the local administrative and legal authorities. The disinterment must be done in the presence of representatives of the police and funeral service organization. 

Autopsy

Autopsies are routinely performed in Mongolia but can be waived in the case of foreigners upon the request of their Embassy.

Please, note that all costs are subject to change.