Repatriation for a funeral overseas

It may be appropriate for the funeral to take place abroad and there are certain legal requirements that need to be fulfilled.

If a body is to moved from England or Wales to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, as well as elsewhere abroad, you will need to notify the coroner or procurator fiscal (Scotland) for the district in which the deceased is lying and complete a Removal Notice (form 104). The funeral director will usually deal with this form on your behalf. Often this authorisation has to be requested at least 4 days before the person is to be moved to give time for any enquiries to be completed.

Another factor to bear in mind when considering repatriation is the cost as caskets and embalming for repatriation have to conform to high specifications as well as the cost of the flight itself and costs in the destination country.

In some instances cremation in this country with repatriation of the ashes/cremated remains may be an acceptable and less expensive alternative.

The funeral director will be able to advise on these choices and help with the necessary documentation. Cremated remains can be carried as hand luggage with a death certificate and a certificate from the crematorium but may also need a consular seal.

Any funeral director can organise a repatriation but some specilise in this type of work and have expertise in particular counties and airlines. You may wish to contact your country's consulate to obtain their recommendation as to who to use.

Telephone us if you need help obtaining the number of your country's consulate.