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This page outlines the steps involved in body repatriation. While it is a general guide and not specific to any one country, most countries follow similar procedures.
How long does the body repatriation process take? The process typically takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the complexity and the destination country.
Already started the process with us? track your progress here
Preliminary Stage
Coroner & Registering the Death
This stage involves the initial procedures following the death, including legal requirements and obtaining necessary documentation.
Post Mortem/Autopsy
In certain cases, such as unexpected or suspicious deaths, an autopsy may be required by law to determine the exact cause of death. The coroner will inform the family if an autopsy is necessary, and it may take several days to complete.
Once the autopsy is completed and the cause of death established, you can proceed to register the death. We will assist you throughout this process, providing guidance on the required documentation and timelines.
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Death Certificate
You will need an official death certificate from local authorities where the death occurred. We recommend obtaining 3-4 certificates for various purposes, such as repatriation and managing the deceased’s affairs.
Stage 1
Initial Arrangements & Documentation
During this stage, we handle the necessary paperwork, provide quotes, and arrange the collection of the deceased. We will speak to you with care and sensitivity to understand how we can best support your needs.
Instant Quote
After providing the necessary details, such as the location of your loved one and the destination country (including the specific airport), we can quickly generate a quote for you.
You can request an instant quote via our online tool, which will be sent directly to your email, or simply give us a call at +44800 058 4557.
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Estimation & Quotes
We provide you with an accurate quote for the entire process, ensuring you understand all costs involved before proceeding. Once agreed, you will be assigned a case number.
For detailed information about the costs of repatriation, please get a quote via our instant quote generator.
Sending Documents
We will require the following documents to be sent to our head office:
- Original Death Certificates: One original is typically required, though some countries may need an extra copy.
- Deceased Passport: This is needed by the embassy for cancellation, and it will not be returned.
Next of Kin’s Approval
To represent you with embassies and local authorities, we require approval from the next of kin, who could be the person who registered the death or another close family member. You will need to complete our form and upload your passport.
Arrange Collection
We will coordinate directly with the hospital to collect the body once all required documents are in order.
Stage 2
Preparation for Repatriation
This stage includes preparing the body, securing all necessary documentation, and gaining approval from the embassy.
Embalming and Sanitisation
The body is embalmed to ensure preservation throughout the journey.
Documentation Collection
We collect all necessary documents from hospitals, doctors, legalisation departments, translators, and airlines to proceed smoothly.
Embassy/Consulate Approvals
Once we have all the documents, we arrange for the embassy to review them, allowing us to secure passage to the destination country.
Coffin Preparation
You can choose from a range of coffins. Once selected, we prepare it for transportation.
Consignee Confirmation
Confirmation is required from the consignee or funeral director who will receive the body in the destination country. Without confirmation, airlines will refuse to transport the body.
What you need to do? Plan the funeral in the destination country and ensure someone is designated to receive the body.
Stage 3
Flight Arrangements & Final Transportation
The final stage involves booking flights and transporting the body to the destination.
Payment Settlement
Before booking the flights, we request full payment. Flight booking cannot proceed without it, potentially causing delays.
Arranging Flights
Flights can be either direct or indirect. We do our best to secure direct flights to ensure the smoothest journey. Customers also have the option to travel with their loved one.
Transport to Airport & Arrival
We deliver the coffin to the airport hours before departure, ensuring all documents are in order. You will receive a reference number to track the entire process.
Possible Delays in the Process
The repatriation process may experience delays due to:
- Cause of Death: If the cause of death is unclear and requires further investigation.
- Political Instability or Conflict: Situations of unrest in the home or host country.
- Transportation Issues: Limited flight availability can hinder the process.
- Public Health Crisis or Natural Disasters: Medical or natural emergencies can lead to disruptions.
- Office Closures: Delays may occur if registrar or coroner’s offices are closed on weekends or public holidays.
- Family Disputes: Disagreements among family members can also cause setbacks.
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