The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City provides assistance to families and friends following the death of a U.S. citizen in Guatemala. Upon notification of such an event, a consular officer will inform the deceased's next of kin, offer guidance on handling the remains, and provide details on obtaining a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (CRODA).
Next of kin is typically defined as the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings. It is advised that they contact a local funeral home immediately due to Guatemalan law generally requiring burial within 24 hours if the body is not embalmed.
Families may choose any funeral home and are responsible for costs related to funerals or returning remains to the United States. The U.S. government does not cover these expenses.
In cases where no family member is present in Guatemala, Form DS-5511 must be completed by the next of kin and notarized either in the United States or at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate but not by a Guatemalan notary.
The embassy can secure personal effects if there is no next of kin present locally but cannot cover related costs. If unnatural causes are suspected in the death, cremation requires a court order which may take over eight weeks to obtain.
A CRODA serves as an official document for legal proceedings in the United States and relies on information from the Guatemalan Civil Registry's death certificate.
Requests for CRODAs should be emailed with necessary documentation including proof of identity and relationship to AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov.
The embassy issues Form DS-2060 electronically with digital signatures for verification purposes.