Repatriate Service
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions families ask most often when dealing with a death abroad.
Can a body be flown home on a weekend?
Sometimes, but not always. Flights operate on weekends, but government offices, mortuaries, and consular services may be closed, which can delay documentation.
Can I bring ashes in hand luggage?
Yes, most airlines allow ashes in hand luggage in a sealed container. Carry the cremation certificate and confirm rules with your airline before travel.
Can the British Embassy pay for repatriation?
Usually no. The British Embassy does not normally pay repatriation costs. In genuine hardship cases, the FCDO may provide an emergency loan that must be repaid.
Do I need a UK death certificate if the death happened abroad?
Not for repatriation itself. You can repatriate using the foreign death certificate and related paperwork. A UK death certificate is still recommended for probate and estate tasks.
What if the deceased had no passport with them?
Repatriation is still possible without a physical passport, but identity checks and replacement documentation are required. This can add delays.
Who collects the body from the UK airport?
A UK funeral director collects the repatriated remains from the airport cargo terminal. Families do not usually collect directly from cargo.
How long does repatriation take?
Repatriation from Europe typically takes 7-14 days. From long-haul destinations like Thailand, India, or the Philippines, 3-6 weeks is more realistic, particularly when a post-mortem is required. The timeline depends on local documentation requirements and whether complications arise.
Who pays for repatriation when someone dies abroad?
Travel insurance pays for repatriation when a valid policy exists and the claim is accepted. Without insurance, the cost falls to the family or the estate. The FCDO does not pay for repatriation, but can provide emergency loans in genuine hardship cases.
How does a UK coroner handle deaths that occurred abroad?
When a body repatriated from abroad arrives in the UK, the local coroner for the area where the funeral is planned must be notified. The coroner reviews the foreign death certificate and post-mortem report. An inquest is only opened if the cause of death is uncertain or the coroner has specific reasons to investigate.
What happens if there is no travel insurance when someone dies abroad?
If there is no travel insurance, the family is responsible for the full cost of repatriation, which can be £3,000-15,000 depending on the country. The FCDO can provide emergency loans in genuine distress. Local burial in the country of death is a legal alternative.
How is a body transported on a plane?
Human remains travel as airline cargo in a sealed, zinc-lined coffin or specialist repatriation case. The cargo is loaded through the aircraft's cargo hold, not the passenger cabin. All major airlines have specific documentation and preparation requirements.
What does the British Embassy do when someone dies abroad?
The British Embassy can register the death, provide a list of local funeral directors and translators, help contact next of kin, and assist with replacement documents. They do not organise or pay for repatriation, and cannot access private information without the family's permission.
Does a body need embalming for repatriation?
Yes. Most airlines require that human remains are embalmed to international hygiene standards before they will carry them in cargo. Embalming preserves the body for the duration of transit and is required for the embalming certificate that airlines and UK funeral directors require.
What is a burial transit permit?
A burial transit permit (also called a repatriation certificate or movement permit) is an official document issued by the country of death authorising the export of human remains. It is required by airlines and UK receiving authorities before a body can be transported internationally.
Does travel insurance cover repatriation?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover the cost of repatriation to the UK, usually up to a specified limit. The insurer must usually be contacted before arrangements are made. Pre-existing conditions and policy exclusions can affect claims.
How much does repatriation cost?
Repatriation to the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £15,000 depending on the country of death, distance, and whether a post-mortem is required. Travel insurance, where it exists, usually covers this.