Frequently Asked Questions

International repatriation is the transfer of a deceased person from the country where the death occurred to another country. It involves the local funeral provider, the documentation required by both countries, the preparation of the deceased, a suitable coffin, and transport, usually by air, through to a receiving party at the destination.

In most cases the deceased is transported by air, as cargo on a scheduled commercial flight, in a coffin prepared to meet the carrier's requirements. The exact arrangement depends on the airline, the route and the requirements of both countries.

The cost is built from four main components: the care of the deceased in the country of death, the documentation and consular authorisations, a transport coffin meeting airline requirements, and the airline's cargo charge. Cargo is usually the largest single item, calculated by weight and distance. Ground transport at both ends and the receiving funeral director complete the total. Tell us the route and we will price that case.

It depends primarily on how quickly the required documents can be issued in the country where the death occurred, and on flight availability for the route. Some countries process the documentation quickly, others do not, and circumstances such as an investigation or a post-mortem can extend it. We give an assessment for the specific case rather than a general timeframe.

The set differs by country, but commonly includes a death certificate, an authorisation to transfer the deceased out of the country, documentation regarding the preparation of the deceased, and documentation required by the destination country, sometimes including consular certification. We identify the specific list for the route as part of the assessment.

Yes. Country-to-country transfers, where neither country is the family's own, are a substantial part of the cases we coordinate. The route is reviewed and confirmed individually, as with any other case.

Yes, subject to case-specific confirmation. Routes from the United States to European countries are among the routes we coordinate. The requirements depend on the destination country and the state where the death occurred.

Yes, subject to case-specific confirmation. Transfers into the United States carry their own documentation and preparation requirements, which are identified during the assessment of the case.

Many travel insurance policies include repatriation cover, but whether a particular case is covered, and to what extent, is determined by the terms of that specific policy and by the insurer. If you believe there may be relevant cover, tell us and we will take it into account. Where the appropriate authorisation exists, we can coordinate with the insurer or assistance company directly.

In most routes a licensed local provider is involved in the country of departure, and a receiving party is involved at the destination. The precise requirement depends on the countries concerned. Where a family does not already have a provider on either side, this is part of what we coordinate.

Yes. Locating and coordinating a receiving funeral home or another receiving party at the destination is part of the coordination we provide, subject to availability for that location.

No. Whether embalming is required depends on the countries involved, the airline and the circumstances of the case. Some routes require it, others accept alternative preparation. This is determined as part of the assessment rather than assumed.

The deceased travels in the cargo hold of the aircraft, in a coffin prepared and sealed to meet the carrier's and the route's requirements, accompanied by the documentation the airline and the destination country require. Airlines have their own conditions for accepting such shipments.

In many cases family members can book seats on the same flight that carries the deceased, but this depends on the airline, the routing and availability. It cannot be guaranteed in advance and is confirmed as part of arranging the transfer.

Ground transport to a suitable airport is coordinated as part of the case. Distance affects both the timeline and the cost, and remote locations may require additional arrangements, this is taken into account in the assessment.

We coordinate in line with religious and cultural requirements where the route permits it. Some requirements can conflict with what a country or an airline mandates, and where that happens we will tell you clearly rather than promise something that cannot be delivered.

Yes. We are available around the clock for urgent international cases on WhatsApp, and through the case form on this site. Messages reach us at any hour.