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When a loved one dies abroad, the grief of loss is compounded by the unfamiliar — not knowing what steps to take, who to contact, or how long the process will take. Repatriation — the process of returning the deceased to their home country — involves several legal and logistical stages, but you do not need to navigate them alone.
This guide explains the repatriation process step by step, so you know what to expect and how to begin.
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At a glance
What it is
The legal and logistical process of returning a deceased person from the country where they died to their country of residence or origin.
Who handles it
A specialist repatriation agency or funeral director manages documentation, embalming, transport, and liaison with authorities in both countries.
Typical timeline
5–7 days for straightforward cases; longer if the police or coroner are involved in the country of death.
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Step 1 — Contact a funeral director or repatriation specialist
Your first call should be to a repatriation specialist or funeral director experienced in international cases. The earlier you make contact, the sooner they can begin coordinating with local authorities abroad and managing the documentation on your behalf. At Funero UK we have supported families through this process for over 15 years, helping more than 2,000 families bring their loved ones home.
Step 2 — Register the death in the country where it occurred
A death must be registered in the country where it happened. The hospital, local police, or a tour operator can usually explain the local registration process, but your funeral director will guide you. You will typically need:
- The deceased's passport or national identity card.
- Your own identification as next of kin.
- Information about the deceased: full name, date of birth, passport number, and where the passport was issued.
- Details of the next of kin.
Death certificates are issued by the local authority and are usually in the language of the country concerned. If the certificate is not in English, an official translation will be required — your funeral director can advise on obtaining this. We recommend requesting multiple certified copies, as various institutions in the UK will need them.
Step 3 — Await local clearance
Repatriation cannot proceed until the local legal processes in the country of death are complete. This may include a post-mortem examination, police inquiries, or a judicial review — particularly if the death was sudden or unexplained. In straightforward cases this can be resolved within a few days; where the police or a local court are involved it can take considerably longer. Your funeral director will liaise with the relevant local authorities and keep you updated.
Step 4 — Embalming and documentation
Once local clearance has been given, the body will need to be embalmed — a legal requirement for most international repatriations — and prepared for transport. A hermetically sealed coffin, often zinc-lined, is also usually required by the destination country's regulations. Your funeral director arranges this in coordination with local funeral professionals.
For repatriation back to the UK (i.e., from abroad into the UK), the UK does not impose the same strict embalming requirements, though it may still be recommended depending on the distance and duration of transit.
Step 5 — UK documentation (for repatriation out of the UK)
If you are repatriating a person who has died in the UK to their home country abroad, additional UK documentation is required:
- A UK death certificate issued by the registrar.
- An "Out of England" certificate, issued by the local coroner after at least four working days' notice.
See our article on what happens when a death is investigated by the coroner's office for more on the coroner's role.
How long does repatriation take?
For a straightforward natural death, repatriation typically takes between five and seven days once all documentation is in order. Cases involving a post-mortem or police investigation will take longer, as repatriation cannot proceed until all local proceedings are concluded. Your repatriation specialist will provide a realistic timeline based on the specific circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to travel to the country where the death occurred?
Not necessarily. A repatriation specialist can manage the entire process remotely, including liaising with local authorities, arranging documentation, and coordinating transport. Many families prefer to remain in the UK while the process is handled professionally on their behalf.
Does repatriation affect a post-mortem in the UK?
Embalming — which is usually required before international transport — can affect the results of a post-mortem if one is later requested in the UK. If there is any possibility that a UK post-mortem may be needed, discuss this with your funeral director before embalming takes place.
What support is available for the costs of repatriation?
Travel insurance — if the deceased held a valid policy at the time of death — often covers some or all repatriation costs. Some employers and trade unions also provide cover. Our guide on how to cut down costs when it comes to body repatriation covers this in more detail. The FCDO can also provide consular assistance through its network of overseas posts.
