A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The final price depends on the province and city of departure and the airport routing. We confirm a firm quote at first contact.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
Canada is home to a large community of British expatriates and dual nationals, from long-settled families in Ontario and British Columbia to retirees who moved to be near children and grandchildren. When a death occurs in Canada, bringing your loved one home to the UK brings together the provincial authorities, the documents needed for the flight, and the receiving arrangements in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. We coordinate all three across the time difference, so the family does not have to deal with Canadian offices or funeral homes directly. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Canadian documents are issued in English (and, in Quebec, in French), so translation is rarely needed for the UK. Canada is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so where a Canadian public document must be legalised for use in the UK it can be apostilled rather than passing through a longer legalisation chain.
Death registration in Canada is handled at provincial level. The provincial or territorial Vital Statistics agency registers the death and issues the certified Canadian death certificate. Where the death was sudden, violent or unattended, the medical examiner or coroner becomes involved and must release the deceased before travel. An international funeral director then arranges the repatriation and the paperwork. The deceased travels with the certified provincial death certificate, an embalming certificate, and the deceased's passport, which is retained for the repatriation process. We obtain these on the family's behalf while the deceased is prepared for the journey.
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin suitable for international air freight. The journey home is made by air from the nearest international airport to a UK airport, with the deceased carried as documented cargo. Our team coordinates collection from the Canadian funeral home, the airline booking and the customs formalities, through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. For a burial, the Canadian death certificate is generally sufficient. For a cremation, the coroner in England and Wales must give authority first — this is the Cremation Form 6, issued once the coroner is satisfied there is no need for further investigation (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. We liaise with the coroner's office so this is in place without delay.
A repatriation from Canada typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 5,400 km. The timing depends on how quickly the provincial Vital Statistics agency issues the death certificate, the embalming and preparation, and the availability of a suitable transatlantic flight from the province of departure. Where the death was sudden or unexplained and a medical examiner or coroner is involved, release can take longer.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We confirm a firm, fixed quote at first contact, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the province and city of departure, the airport routing and local funeral-home fees. The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death. Families are often unaware that a UK estate, a life-insurance policy or travel insurance held by the deceased may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We manage the Canadian formalities, the airline logistics and the UK reception as one coordinated process across the time difference, keep the family informed at every stage, and are contactable 24/7. Our aim is that the distance between Canada and home should never translate into lost days or added distress at the worst possible time.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
The deceased travels with a certified Canadian death certificate from the provincial or territorial Vital Statistics agency, an embalming certificate, and the deceased's passport, which is retained for the repatriation. A freedom-from-infection certificate accompanies the carriage.
Canadian documents are in English (and French in Quebec), so translation is rarely needed. We obtain everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 5,400 km. The timing depends on how quickly the provincial Vital Statistics agency issues the death certificate, the embalming and preparation, and the availability of a suitable transatlantic flight.
Where the death was sudden or unexplained and a medical examiner or coroner is involved, release can take longer.
No. Length of residence or Canadian citizenship does not change the route home. The provincial authorities register the death and release the deceased, and we bring them to the UK.
We can also help the family register the death in the UK and with any estate matters that follow.
The core process is the same across Canada, though each province or territory's Vital Statistics agency runs its own registration, and Quebec issues documents in French.
Distance and local fees vary by province, but we coordinate with the local funeral home and arrange the flight home wherever your loved one was.
The quoted price covers the Canadian documentation, embalming, a transport coffin suitable for the UK funeral, the repatriation paperwork, air freight to a UK airport and handover to your funeral director. We confirm a firm, fixed quote at first contact with no hidden costs.
The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
