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Since Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area's full land-border framework on 1 January 2025, the logistics of repatriating a deceased person by road from the UK to these countries have changed significantly. Border checks that previously caused delays and administrative complications at land crossings have been removed, making road-based repatriation a more viable and cost-effective option.
This article explains what the change means in practice for families arranging repatriation, and sets out the legal requirements that still apply when repatriating a body from the UK regardless of the destination country.
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At a glance
What it is
An overview of how Romania and Bulgaria's full Schengen integration has simplified road-based body repatriation from the UK, and what legal steps remain.
Who handles it
A specialist repatriation agency such as Funero UK manages all documentation, transport logistics, and cross-border compliance on the family's behalf.
Typical timeline
Repatriation by road is typically completed within 3–7 days once all UK documentation is in order.
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What changed on 1 January 2025?
Romania and Bulgaria's full integration into the Schengen Area removed land-border checks between these two countries and other Schengen member states. For repatriation purposes this means:
- No border inspections — funeral vehicles can transit across Schengen borders without stopping for document checks, reducing transit times substantially.
- Lower costs — fewer administrative delays mean lower operational costs for funeral service providers, some of which can be passed on to families.
- Greater consistency — enhanced cooperation between member states in legal frameworks and consular services means repatriation procedures are handled more uniformly across borders.
Note that repatriation from the UK to Romania or Bulgaria is not a purely Schengen journey — the UK is not a Schengen member. The UK legal requirements below still apply in full, and transit through non-Schengen EU states (such as France or Belgium, which are Schengen members) is subject to those countries' own transit documentation requirements.
Legal requirements for repatriation from the UK
Regardless of the destination country, three core documents are required when repatriating a body out of England or Wales:
| Document | Who issues it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | UK registrar | Required in all cases; if the coroner was involved, a coroner's report may also be needed. |
| Out of England certificate | Local coroner | Issued after the family submits the "Form of Notice to a Coroner of Intention to Remove a Body out of England or Wales" — at least four working days before repatriation. |
| Embalming and sealed coffin certificate | Funeral director / pathologist | Most destination countries require the body to be embalmed and the coffin hermetically sealed, often in a zinc-lined case. |
At Funero UK we manage all of these documents on the family's behalf, liaising directly with the registrar, coroner's office, and destination country's consular or funeral authorities. Families are kept informed at every stage.
Air versus road repatriation
For many UK-based repatriations — particularly to destinations outside Europe — air transport remains the most practical option. Road transport, however, is now a genuinely competitive choice for Romania and Bulgaria, and in some cases for other Central and Eastern European destinations too. The right choice depends on the destination, urgency, and family preferences. Our team can advise on both options in detail.
For a broader overview of the repatriation process, see our guide on what the process of a body repatriation involves, or our article on the role of funeral directors in repatriation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Schengen membership mean no paperwork for repatriation?
No. Schengen removes land-border checks, but the legal documentation requirements for repatriation — death certificate, Out of England certificate, and embalming certificate — remain mandatory for all international repatriations. The change simply means transit is faster and smoother once all documents are in place.
How long in advance do I need to notify the coroner?
You must submit the notice to the coroner at least four working days before the planned removal of the body from England or Wales. Your funeral director can submit this on your behalf.
Can Funero UK repatriate to Romania and Bulgaria by road?
Yes. Our team has handled repatriations to both countries by road and by air. We will recommend the most appropriate method based on your specific situation. Contact us for a personalised consultation and cost estimate.
