When a loved one passes away abroad, repatriation—the process of returning their remains to their home country—can be a complex and sensitive process. We’ve written a series of useful guides to help the process easier, covering the authorities you need to contact, complications that might arise and how to best prepare yourself for the worst. This guide breaks down the documentation required throughout the process; for both the repatriation of a body and the transportation of ashes.
Repatriation of a Body
The repatriation of a body requires cultural and medical considerations and this means that there is often a lot of paperwork involved. Below are the essential documents that are typically required but the cause of death as well as the countries involved will mean that more or less documentation will be needed. This guide should provide you with the basics and the relevant embassy will be able to assist you with any further questions.
It is worth noting that if you wish to use our services, we will handle all documentation for you. We will simply require a copy of the death certificate (we can assist you with obtaining this) and a copy of the deceased’s passport (if they are a dual national, we may need both). The rest discussed below, we will manage for you.
1. Death Certificate
- An official death certificate issued by the authorities in the country where the death occurred.
- You can typically order as many copies as you wish. We typically suggest at least 2-3 copies are requested for ease of communication.
- Some countries require the document to be translated into the home country’s language and notarised.
- For various reasons, you may have issues obtaining a death certificate. Please view this guide on what to do if you can’t gain a death certificate for a death abroad.
2a. Out of England and Free from Infection Certificates (if taking out of UK)
- Needed in order to arrange repatriation from the UK to abroad
- Issued by the coroner or mortuary in the UK
- Helps with legal formalities in the home country.
2b. Coroner’s Permission (if taking into UK)
- If arranging a repatriation into the UK, you will need to have the coroner’s permission. If the death isn’t treated as suspicious, this can be achieved quickly through the embassy.
- If the death is treated as suspicious and a coroner’s report is needed, this can make securing permission take much longer.
3. Embalming and Sealing Certificate
- Many countries require the body to be embalmed before repatriation.
- A certificate from a licensed mortuary confirming embalming and that the body is in a sealed, leak-proof coffin.
4. Suitable Coffin
- For repatriation, the coffin must be of a certain standard. We typically use CadSeal, the repatriation standard but in some cases, a zinc lined coffin may be needed. If zinc is needed, the cost is typically more.
5. Passport of the Deceased
- Required for legal identification and processing by consular officials.
- Some countries may also require a copy of the deceased’s birth certificate.
6. Certificate of No Liability to Register
- Once brought home to the UK, you will need to secure a certificate of no liability to register from the register office in order to proceed with the funeral.
- This will then need to be given to the funeral director.
- All that is required for this is the death certificate.
Repatriation of Ashes
The process of transporting ashes is simpler but still requires some specific documentation. Below are the necessary documents:
1. Death Certificate
- A certified copy of the death certificate is required.
2. Cremation Certificate
- Issued by the crematorium confirming that the body was cremated properly.
3. Sealed Container Requirement
- The ashes must be placed in a sealed urn that meets airline and customs regulations.
- In most cases, this will be an airtight container, lined with zinc.
4. Airline Clearance
- Many airlines require advance notice and may have restrictions on carrying ashes in hand luggage or checked baggage.
- We would typically recommend carrying ashes in hand luggage as this ensures you have full access to them at all times and can clear up any issues.
We hope you will find this information useful and we wish you all the best. If you have any further questions or concerns, please give us a call. If you would like to arrange a repatriation, please contact us via our form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
