The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia has outlined the procedures and assistance available following the death of a U.S. citizen in Bolivia. Family members or legal representatives are advised to report such incidents as soon as possible by emailing ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov.
According to the embassy, its role includes confirming the death, identity, and citizenship of the deceased; attempting to notify next-of-kin; providing lists of local funeral homes; and coordinating with those responsible for making arrangements. The embassy also works with families regarding the disposition of remains and personal effects.
If remains are to be returned to the United States, the consular section issues a Consular Mortuary Certificate. This certificate is intended to facilitate shipment and customs clearance in the United States. The embassy notes that this document is not required for ashes.
A Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (CRODA) can be prepared once a Bolivian death certificate is issued. The CRODA serves as an official document for use in settling estate matters within U.S. courts. It will be provided digitally unless paper copies are specifically requested.
The digital CRODA includes a time-stamped digital signature from a consular officer and bears the seal of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia.
Families must cover all expenses related to funeral home charges, shipping costs, and funeral arrangements, as there are no funds available from the Department of State for these purposes.
The embassy provides a disposition of remains report containing estimated charges for services such as shipment or cremation, along with information on local laws and customs regarding death in Bolivia, which may differ significantly from those in the United States.
Lists of funeral homes familiar with necessary procedures—such as embalming, cremation, documentation preparation, and shipping—are maintained by the embassy but are not exhaustive nor endorsed by it.
To repatriate human remains to the United States, documentation required includes a Bolivian death certificate issued by civil authorities, an export permit from municipal officials, and an embalming certificate from the funeral home indicating chemicals used during embalming.
Contact details for both U.S. Embassy La Paz and Consular Agency Santa Cruz are provided for those needing further assistance:
- La Paz: Monday–Thursday 08:00 am – 04:30 pm; Friday 08:00 am – 11:30 pm (excluding holidays). Phone: (+591) 221 68000; Email: ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov
- Santa Cruz: Monday–Tuesday 09:30 am – 02:30 pm; Wednesday–Thursday same hours; Friday 09:30 am – 11:30 pm (excluding holidays). Phone: (+591) 221 68000; Email: ConsularSantaCruz@state.gov
"