Austria draws large numbers of British visitors through skiing, city breaks in Vienna and Salzburg, and summer tourism. Sudden deaths on the slopes account for a significant proportion of British deaths there. The administrative systems are well-organised, the country is within Europe, and the short distance to the UK works in the family’s favour. This guide answers the questions UK families ask after a death in Austria.
For the full process detail, see our complete guide to repatriation from Austria. This article focuses on the practical questions.
Skiing deaths and the public prosecutor
When a death occurs on a ski slope, the police attend and the case may be referred to the public prosecutor (Staatsanwalt). The prosecutor determines whether a forensic examination is needed before the body can be released. This is a legal step the family cannot waive. For a natural death in hospital or at a hotel, the process moves directly to the civil registry without prosecutorial involvement.
The Leichenpass and documentation
The transport permit (Leichenpass) is required for all international transport of human remains from Austria. It is issued by the district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) or the city authority in Vienna and Graz. The permit, alongside the death certificate and embalming certificate, forms the core of the export pack. All documents are in German and require certified translation.
Travel insurance and first steps
Finding the travel insurance and calling the insurer’s emergency line is the first practical step for most Austrian cases. The insurer appoints a local Austrian funeral director and the UK coordinator, and covers the cost of repatriation.
For further guidance, see our articles on does travel insurance cover repatriation of remains and repatriation timeline by cause of death.