Repatriation services

If a loved one passes away the body may have to undergo a process called repatriation. It may be that they died in the UK and want to be buried abroad in the country of their birth, or they passed away while they were overseas and need to be brought back home, whatever the situation is, the essential fact is that the body needs to be transported to another country and for that there are certain protocols that must be observed.

As undertakers we understand just how difficult it is for anyone to lose someone but how concerning it is if you then have to decide to transport the person elsewhere. We also understand that making the decision to repatriate the body can be a difficult one. If repatriation is something you need to do then we are here to help you in every way we can. Below we want to give you some idea of what repatriation of a body entail.

What is involved with repatriation services?

Registering the death with the local authority in the country where the person died is the first stage of the process. This can be done via the British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.

Once the undertaker has been supplied with a copy of the death certificate, they can set the wheels in motion to have the body transported to the place of choice. Your undertaker can take the burden of managing the entire procedure, such as preparing necessary documents for those who wish to repatriate their loved one to be buried or cremated overseas.

Documents you need if you wish to repatriate a loved on to the UK include:

• A copy of the death certificate.
• Permission to remove the body from a coroner or someone in the country qualified to issue the permissions.
• A statement from the coroner.
• The deceased person’s passport.

How long does it take to repatriate a body?

It will take from ten to fifteen days usually although everything is dependent upon the Circumstances of the death.

For example, if someone died of natural causes then repatriation might take less time, while someone who died and a post-mortem required because the death was suspicious, it will probably take longer.

How much do repatriation services cost?

Even the most straightforward repatriation will incur costs. That cannot be helped. This is because as well as arranging the repatriation, the body must be embalmed to prepare it for its journey to its final resting place, then it needs to be transported and there will be additional costs such as airline charges, consular or embassy fees, statutory certificates, and local funeral service fees.

The complexities of repatriating a loved one cannot be taken lightly but we have the expertise to help you if that is something you require for your loved one, we will be here to help you every step of the way. If you would like to contact us for more help, please click onto the link below.