What is the process of a body repatriation?

S.K.
Sebastian K.
Founder
source:

The most devastating thing that you could go through is a loved one's death, especially if it happens abroad.

In these moments you may not know where to even begin or what should be your first step. That is why it is wise to reach out to a funeral director, as soon as possible, to help you with the process of repatriation.

Repatriating the body to the UK

If you choose to repatriate the person who died, their body will usually need to be embalmed, which can affect any post mortem in the UK.

You will only be able to repatriate the person who died when the local processes of the other country are finished. This can include the post mortem and police and judicial inquiries, which can take time and will vary depending on the country.

In order to repatriate your loved one you will need to contact a funeral director. Over the course of 15 years we helped 2000 families with this process. At Funero Uk we will take all the matters into our hands and take care of every detail with care and respect.

Where do you register the death?

A death must be registered in the country where the person died. The hospital, local police, or a tour operator can usually explain how to register a death and obtain a death certificate. A funeral director will be able to help you do this.  You will usually need:

  • the deceased document of identification  (passport or driver's license)
  • the ID of the person that will register the death 
  • information about the deceased, for example: their full name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the passport was issued
  • details of the next of kin

In most cases you will need to register the death at the city hall that is in the vicinity of where the death occurred. It's important to note that the processing time and format of these certificates may vary.

The death certificate should be certified by the authorities of that country; it will usually be in the local language. It is important to note that, if   the document is not in English, you will be required to acquire and bear the cost of an official translation. We recommend requesting additional copies of the death certificate as they may prove necessary for notifying other institutions about the deceased later on.

How long does it take to repatriate the deceased?

This depends on the situation. For example, if the cause of death occurs from natural causes, and the deceased needs to be repatriated to the UK, it should not take more than 5-7 days. However, there are cases where the police are involved, in case of a suspicious death. In such situations, the duration of the entire process depends on the completion of the investigation.

If you are in need of assistance or have any questions regarding body repatriations, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to provide guidance and offer personalized solutions. Let Funero be your trusted partner in honoring the final wishes of your loved one.