Repatriation: What happens if someone dies away from home?

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when someone passes away far from home, it can add an extra layer of emotional and logistical challenges. Repatriation – the process of bringing someone back to home after they have passed – can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with all of the legal requirements and transportation arrangements. However, with the right guidance and support, we’re here to help you navigate this process to ensure your loved one returns home with dignity and care.

Here at Heart of England, we understand how important it is for families to have peace of mind during such a difficult time. That’s why we are here to walk you through what happens when a loved one passes away from home and the steps involved in bringing them to their resting place. Whether you’re just being cautious or are facing an unexpected loss, knowing what to expect from the repatriation process can make all the difference in ensuring a respectful and seamless final journey home for your loved one.

What is the process of repatriation?

The repatriation process can vary depending on where in the world your loved one passes – whether they die somewhere else in the UK or somewhere abroad, there are several key steps involved in getting your loved one back to their final resting place safely and legally. Below, we have outlined the general process of repatriation for both the UK and abroad so you are prepared if this situation ever arises.

What to do when someone dies elsewhere in the UK

If a loved one or companion dies when you are travelling within the UK, these are the following steps you should take to bring them back home.

Step one: Contact the authorities

The first step is to contact the local police or emergency services in the area where the death occurred. The local authorities will help arrange for a medical professional to confirm the death and issue a medical certificate. In some cases, there may be a need for a post-mortem or an inquest before you can start making transportation arrangements. 

Step two: Find support

During this time there will be a lot of things to sort out which can be overwhelming, therefore it is important to find support from a close friend or family member to help you through this time. Having someone with you as a form of extra support can help when navigating the process or repatriation. 

Step three: Register the death

No matter where the death has occurred, you must register the death within 5 days, ideally within the district where it happened. The death can be registered by a relative, or someone present at the death. Contact the nearest Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages who will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary documents.

Step four: Contact a funeral director

Once the death has been registered, it is then time to start making arrangements for transporting the deceased back home so you can begin to arrange the funeral. This is where you should contact a funeral director, either from the place where the death occurred or one local to where the person will be transported back for burial or cremation. The funeral director can then help make all the necessary arrangements for you when it comes to the repatriation process.

What to do when someone dies abroad

If someone passes away abroad, the process can be more complicated, not only in regards to transportation and varying laws, but there may also be language barriers that can make communicating through this more difficult. Below, we have listed the simple steps to take to bring a loved one home if they pass abroad.

Step one: Notify local authorities and contact the British Embassy

As soon as the death occurs, you should contact the local authorities who will be able to guide you through the legal requirements, including obtaining a death certificate and any necessary paperwork. If the deceased is a UK citizen, the British Embassy can assist with this process and guide you through any necessary local legal work as well as help you with any language barriers and cultural differences.

Step two: Register the death and handle legal matters

It’s important that you register the death as soon as possible in the country it occurred, before making any further arrangements. Once the death is registered you will then need to handle several other legal matters such as checking your travel insurance to make sure they cover the cost of repatriation and obtaining necessary documentation such as death certificates, embalming certificates and permission to transport the body.

Please note that if you are on a package holiday, the holiday company you have booked with will also need to be informed of the passing and they can also provide you with any additional support or help with arrangements.

Step three: Appoint a funeral director or repatriation specialist

Once you have contacted local authorities you will then need to get in touch with a funeral director or repatriation specialist so you can arrange to bring your loved one back to the UK. You can choose a funeral director local to where the person passed or you can choose one back home. This is entirely your decision and will depend on cost, cultural considerations and personal circumstances. A funeral director will be able to help you with all necessary paperwork and transportation arrangements for bringing your loved one home.

Step four: Prepare the body for transport

The next step is to prepare the body for transport. This responsibility will be taken on by your appointed funeral director or repatriation expert. Keep in mind that most countries require the body to be embalmed before transportation and a specialised coffin will be needed that meets international regulations. 

In some cases, cremation may be a more practical option for repatriation, however, this is all down to personal preferences and wishes of the deceased. Once the body has been prepared and all paperwork is completed, the funeral director will then arrange flight transportation. Some airlines have specific policies for transporting human remains, and the cost for this will depend on weight and distance.

Step five: Arrival at destination and funeral planning

Once the body has been transported back to their home country, it must go through customs clearance. The receiving funeral director will handle all of the legal requirements at this stage before the final funeral arrangements take place. Once the deceased has been successfully repatriated, you can proceed with the preferred funeral, burial, or cremation according to the wishes of the deceased or religious customs.

How much does it cost to repatriate a body?

The cost of repatriating a body can vary significantly depending on several factors. On average, the cost of repatriation can range anywhere from £2,000 to £6,000, however in some cases it may be as high as £20,000. The final price is all depending on the country of death, the destination, documentation, funeral services and transportation fees. Below we have broken down the average costs of the main factors involved in the repatriation process.

Funeral director services 

In order to bring your loved one home, you will need to coordinate with a funeral director to arrange for transportation, paperwork and handling fees to be taken care of which will also contribute to the cost. Get in touch with our funeral directors today to find out how we can help you through this process.

Transportation costs 

Transporting a body to its final resting place can incur charges between £1,000-£5,000 depending on the distance the body has to travel, as well as its weight.

Embalming and casket costs

In most countries, the deceased will require embalming and a suitable coffin prior to transportation which can both add to the cost. Repatriation coffins should be zinc-lined with hermetic sealing and wrapped with outer packing to keep the body well preserved.

Documentation and legal fees

There is more paperwork and authority involvement when a death occurs abroad, and the range of death certificates, embalming certificates, and general paperwork can add to the overall cost of repatriation. Please note that some countries may require additional clearances and charge a customs fee which can increase costs.

It’s important to note that if the deceased has travel insurance, some or all of these expenses may be covered under that insurance, therefore it is always advisable to check policy details. If the deceased does not have insurance, a funeral director can help you manage costs and ensure a smooth repatriation process. 

How long does it take for a body to be repatriated? 

The time it takes to repatriate a body can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the circumstances. On average it can take between 1-3 weeks, however it may take longer depending on the circumstances, especially if there are complications with documentation or transport arrangements. There are many factors that can affect repatriation time including:

• Cause of death: If the death was natural, it may take 5–7 days to repatriate the body, however, if the death happened under suspicious circumstances, a post-mortem will need to be conducted which can delay repatriation.
• Required documentation: It will take time to obtain death certificates, embalming certification, and permits for the transport of human remains. Depending on the country, this could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
• Transport options: The availability of transport such as airlines, cargo services, etc. can also impact the timing. If a direct flight is not available, there may be multiple stops involved which can extend the time it takes for the body to be repatriated.
• Local regulations: Different countries have varying rules regarding the repatriation process, which can also delay the transfer as there may be customs clearances and other legalities concerning the body.

Get repatriation support from Heart of England

Repatriation can be complex, but working with experienced funeral providers, such as our team here at Heart of England, ensures the process is handled with care and professionalism. A sudden bereavement is always traumatic, which is why we are here to help and advise 24 hours a day. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help you if the worst does happen whilst you are away.