Waiting for a loved one’s remains to be returned home can be an anxious time.
Being clear on the process of repatriation can help you understand what’s happening, and what to expect.
One of the most pressing questions for families is: how long does it take to repatriate a body?
A general timeframe for repatriation to the UK is 5-10 days, although there are circumstances that can make that longer.
Factors affecting how long it takes to repatriate a body
- Where the person died
- How the person died
- When the person died
Location of a death
Where your loved one has died can affect the time it takes to repatriate their body.
Obviously, distance is a factor, with long-haul flights adding to their return time.
If their death occurred in a remote location, or extreme weather affects how easily your family member can be located and attended to, this can also delay their repatriation.
How long does it take to repatriate a body will also vary depending on the country and its local customs and regulations.
Circumstances surrounding a death
As mentioned earlier, a general timeframe for repatriation of a body is 5-10 days.
Among the biggest variables is the circumstances surrounding a death.
If your loved one died of natural causes, the repatriation process will be simpler than if the cause of death is unclear, or the result of a traffic accident or violent circumstances.
In these instances, repatriation may take between 10-15 days (or even longer).
A post-mortem may be required, in which case the body will be held by police until that can be performed.
Additionally, if your loved one was in an area where cases of infectious diseases occurred and it can’t be verified that they didn’t die from an infection, their body will need to be quarantined prior to repatriation.
How long does it take to repatriate a body during holidays?
If your loved one has died during religious or secular holidays, this can affect the logistics of bringing their body home.
Public holidays may mean the officials required to complete certain documentation and carryout procedures are not immediately available and the repatriation process may be delayed.
Likewise, peak seasons may affect availability of flights for your loved one to be returned home.
Timeline of repatriation process
Following someone’s death abroad, repatriation follows a typical process and timeline.
The UK Government provides information packs online for each country to assist families who have lost loved ones abroad.
Notification of the death starts the process, and contacting the person’s travel insurance provider as soon as possible is wise for practical and financial assistance with the repatriation.
If your family member was in a tour group, the tour company will play a key role in notifying local authorities, plus the British Embassy, Consulate or High Representative.
The British Embassy will be able to assist you with regulations and local requirements as well as the progress of the repatriation.
These steps occur in the immediate hours and first days after someone has died overseas.
At this time, you will need a repatriation provider, like Middleton’s Funeral Services.
We can arrange for a local provider to take possession of and care of your loved one’s body.
The timeline for that will depend on the nature of the death, how soon a death certificate is issued, and when the police grant clearance for the body to be released and prepared for repatriation.
Embalming of the body and purchasing of a zinc-lined coffin for safe transportation are next steps, as are coordinating flights and transport to and from airports, including to the funeral home in the UK in preparation for funeral or cremation on home soil.
How can a funeral director help with the repatriation process
Some circumstances understandably will result in longer repatriation times.
Beyond that, the best way to ensure a smooth repatriation for your loved one is to have experienced professionals guiding you and coordinating the practical requirements to bring your family member home.
Repatriation providers know the pitfalls to avoid and the processes to follow to repatriate your loved one.
They provide dignified, professional support as you grieve and navigate the practicalities of bringing your family member’s body home.
Contact Middleton’s Funeral Services for the guidance and support you need at this difficult time.