A dignified, fully-managed repatriation from 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 destination state and air-freight charges. We confirm a firm quote at first contact. The base covers transport to the destination airport; customs clearance and onward delivery are quoted separately, where available.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
When someone dies in the UK and is to be returned to the United States for the funeral, the process brings together the UK coroner's formalities, the requirements set by the American authorities, and the transatlantic flight itself. We manage the full journey and the paperwork on both sides, so the family in the United States does not have to deal with UK offices in a country they may not know. Our repatriation hub sets out the essentials if you are just starting.
Taking a body out of England and Wales follows a set UK procedure; the destination country's requirements then set the standard for the documents that must accompany the deceased and for the way the coffin is prepared. For the United States this includes a consular step handled with the US authorities in the UK, which we set out in the note below.
Before a deceased person can be taken out of England and Wales, the law requires that the coroner for the district be given at least four clear days' notice (the Removal of Bodies Regulations 1954). The coroner then issues an acknowledgement — the "out of England" notice — confirming there is no objection to removal, and can release the body sooner where satisfied that no further enquiries are needed. We complete this notification and obtain the acknowledgement on the family's behalf. In Scotland the equivalent authority is the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner.
The deceased travels embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin, accompanied by the UK death certificate stating the cause of death, the coroner's out-of-England acknowledgement, and certificates of embalming and freedom from infection. A consular step with the US authorities in the UK is completed before the coffin is dispatched — we set this out in the consular note below and handle it on the family's behalf. On arrival, the receiving funeral home in the destination state takes the deceased into its care and arranges the funeral.
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed transport coffin suitable for international air freight. For the United States the journey is made by air, with the deceased carried as documented cargo to the destination airport. Our team collects the deceased from the UK hospital, mortuary or funeral home, manages the flight and the customs formalities, and coordinates handover to the receiving funeral director in the United States.
A repatriation from the UK to the United States typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 5,900 km by air. The main factors are the four clear days' notice to the coroner (which can sometimes be shortened at the coroner's discretion), the consular certification, and flight availability to the destination state. Where the death has been referred to the coroner for investigation, the timeline can be 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 destination state, air-freight charges to the arrival airport, and any UK funeral-home and mortuary 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. A UK estate, a life-insurance policy or the deceased's own arrangements may cover part of the cost, and we are glad to discuss this openly.
We handle the UK coroner's formalities, the US consular requirements and the air transport as one coordinated process, keeping both sides of the family informed and remaining contactable 24/7. Our guide to repatriating a body from the UK explains each stage in more detail.
Last verified July 2026.
Repatriation to the United States is coordinated with the US Embassy or Consulate, who issues a Consular Mortuary Certificate — one of the documents required to send remains to the United States — before the coffin is dispatched. We prepare and lodge the consular application on the family's behalf, so no one needs to attend the consulate in person.
Common questions about repatriating someone who has died in the UK to their home country — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
Before removal, the coroner must be given at least four clear days' notice and issues an "out of England" acknowledgement. The deceased then travels embalmed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin, accompanied by the UK death certificate stating the cause of death and certificates of embalming and freedom from infection.
A consular certification is completed with the US authorities in the UK before departure. We handle the coroner notification and the consular step on your behalf.
It is a document issued by the US Embassy or Consulate — one of the documents required to send remains to the United States — confirming that the paperwork is in order before the coffin is dispatched.
We prepare and lodge the consular application on the family's behalf, so no one needs to attend the consulate in person.
Typically 5–7 days, the deceased travelling roughly 5,900 km by air. The main factors are the four clear days' notice to the coroner, the consular certification, and flight availability to the destination state.
Where the death has been referred to the coroner for investigation, the timeline can be longer.
The United States is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so where a UK public document must be legalised it can be apostilled in the UK rather than passing through a longer legalisation chain.
In practice the consular certification and the receiving funeral home set out exactly what the destination state requires, and we prepare the file accordingly.
The quoted price covers the coroner notification, embalming, a sealed transport coffin, the transport certificates, the US consular certification, air freight to the United States and handover to the receiving 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.
