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 US state 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.
Many British families have close ties to the United States — dual US–UK nationals who settled there, retirees who spend the winter months in warmer states, and relatives visiting family across the Atlantic. When a death occurs in America, bringing your loved one home to the UK brings together the authorities of the state where the death happened, the documents needed for the long-haul 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 US offices, funeral homes or airlines directly. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
US documents are issued in English, so no translation is needed for the UK. The United States is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so where a US public document has to be legalised for use in the UK it can be apostilled rather than passing through a longer legalisation chain.
The death is first registered with the state Vital Records office or county registrar, which registers it and issues the certified US death certificate. Where the death was sudden, violent or unattended, the medical examiner or coroner becomes involved and must release the deceased before travel. A US funeral director then arranges the documentation and the shipment itself. The deceased travels with the certified US death certificate, a certificate of embalming (or of cremation, where the deceased has been cremated), and the accompanying transport documentation arranged by the funeral director. 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 US 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 US 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 the United States typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 5,900 km. The timing depends on how quickly the state issues the certified death certificate, the embalming and preparation, and the availability of a suitable transatlantic flight from the region 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 US state and city of departure, the airport routing and local funeral-home fees, which vary considerably across the country. 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 US 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 America 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 US death certificate from the state Vital Records office or county registrar, a certificate of embalming (or of cremation, where the person has been cremated), the transport documentation arranged by the US funeral director, and a freedom-from-infection certificate for carriage.
US documents are issued in English, so no translation is needed for the UK. We obtain everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 5,900 km. The timing depends on how quickly the state issues the certified 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. The repatriation follows the same route regardless of nationality: the US state authorities register the death and release the deceased, and we bring them home to the UK.
Dual nationality does not add consular steps for a return to Britain — the US death certificate and the transport documentation are what the journey needs. We can also advise the family on registering the death in the UK and on any estate matters.
Yes. Deaths among British retirees spending the winter in Florida, Arizona or California are among the routes we handle most often.
Distance and local funeral-home fees vary by state, but the process is the same: we coordinate with the local funeral home and Vital Records office and arrange the flight home, wherever in the country your loved one was staying.
The quoted price covers the US documentation, embalming, a transport coffin suitable for the UK funeral, the transport documentation, 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.
