Repatriation is the process of transporting a deceased person’s remains from one country to another, typically to their home country or a country of significance. Head & Wheble Funeral Directors have considerable experience in the handling of such cases and are always ready to give assistance in obtaining the necessary certificates and forms. We will also make all arrangements regarding the provision of the regulation containers, the transportation to either the airport or seaport and reservation of space on board the flight. Repatriation can be expensive; it is advisable to obtain a detailed estimate from us first, so you know the cost implications.
By using a qualified funeral director, families can ensure a respectful and efficient repatriation process, allowing them to honour their loved ones according to their wishes and traditions.
Repatriation to countries outside of England & Wales
When someone has passed away and they are to be repatriated overseas or overland from England & Wales, the legal process of obtaining the correct documentation and registration applies as it would if the funeral was taking place here. You will need to register the death once the medical certificate has been issued by the doctor or the coroner.
- Conveyance of the deceased from where they have passed away (Anywhere in the UK) and they will remain at our funeral home
- Arrange for the deceased to be embalmed by one qualified embalmer
- Supply a coffin zinc lined or hermitically wrapped (a mandatory requirement by all airlines)
- Care of the deceased whilst at our funeral home prior to onward travel
- Arrange transport to the airport terminal or ferry port
- Co-ordinate with the Airline and book the flight obtaining the Airway Bill Number
- Liaise with the funeral director or official receiving the deceased in the end destination country
- Guidance & help with all necessary paperwork and processes.
* It is also possible to travel on the same flight as the deceased should you wish.
Documentation Required
- Death Certificate: Certified Copy of An Entry
- The deceased Passport
- Embalming Certificate
- Freedom From Infection Certificate (Issued by a Medical Professional
- Out of England Order (Issued by the Coroner)
- Family’s Authority to Repatriate
- Country of Origin Embassy Approval
Repatriation to countries outside of England & Wales
When someone has passed away and they are to be repatriated overseas or overland from England & Wales, the legal process of obtaining the correct documentation and registration applies as it would if the funeral was taking place here. You will need to register the death once the medical certificate has been issued by the doctor or the coroner.
- Conveyance of the deceased from where they have passed away (Anywhere in the UK) and they will remain at our funeral home
- Arrange for the deceased to be embalmed by one qualified embalmer
- Supply a coffin zinc lined or hermitically wrapped (a mandatory requirement by all airlines)
- Care of the deceased whilst at our funeral home prior to onward travel
- Arrange transport to the airport terminal or ferry port
- Co-ordinate with the Airline and book the flight obtaining the Airway Bill Number
- Liaise with the funeral director or official receiving the deceased in the end destination country
- Guidance & help with all necessary paperwork and processes.
* It is also possible to travel on the same flight as the deceased should you wish.
Repatriation to the United Kingdom from other countries
Special regulations and formalities are also required for the repatriation to the United Kingdom of persons who have died abroad, and we are fully able to make all necessary arrangements in such cases, including assisting with the necessary paperwork and transportation details.
Travel Insurance
Before travelling abroad, you should ensure you have travel insurance that covers repatriation. You will need to check your policy to establish what your provider covers and to what extent. We have been involved with many insurance repatriations and can accommodate for every type of cover. Before taking out a policy, ensure it covers for repatriation as it can be costly without.
Without insurance
If you do not have travel insurance, it is still possible to repatriate someone back to England & Wales. You will need to pay this at the time of need and may involve a funeral director in the country of origin and the funeral director here when the deceased arrives to carry out the final funeral arrangements. Head & Wheble funeral directors can manage everything with you from abroad or here in the UK to ensure your loved one arrives safely and conduct the funeral arrangements if required.
Documentation Required from an International Country to England & Wales
- Death Certificate: Original Certified Copy of An Entry from the country where the death occurred.
- Embalming Certificate
- British Consular Documentation in Country of death
Cremated remains repatriation
Often the preferred method of repatriating a deceased to their native country or final resting place, repatriation of cremated remains offers an alternative to the cost of providing a full repatriation of a deceased person. Once the cremation has taken place there are often certain protocols you will need to follow achieving the repatriation of cremated remains. The safest way to achieve this would be to take them with you in your hand luggage if you are travelling to the destination.
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