What to do if someone dies in Romania

Romania is well-connected to the UK both by air and by community. The large Romanian diaspora in Britain means many families have strong ties in both countries. When a death occurs in Romania, the process is structured, and experienced funeral directors on both sides know this route.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Bucharest

The British Embassy in Bucharest must be notified on the day of death. Address: Strada Jules Michelet 24, 010463 Bucharest. Phone: +40 21 207 2000. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Consular staff register the death with UK authorities, issue relevant UK documentation, and provide a list of local funeral directors experienced with UK repatriations.

Step 2: Register the death: Starea Civila

Deaths are registered at the Starea Civila (Civil Status Office) in the district where the death occurred. For hospital deaths, the hospital administration typically assists. The Certificat de deces (death certificate) is the primary document for all subsequent steps.

For unnatural, sudden, or violent deaths, the police are notified at the scene and the Parchet (Prosecutor’s Office) takes over. The Prosecutor decides whether a forensic post-mortem is required.

Step 3: Prosecutor’s post-mortem

If ordered, the post-mortem is conducted by the Institut de Medicina Legala (Institute of Forensic Medicine). Bucharest handles the largest volume. Regional institutes in Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Timisoara, and Craiova cover other areas. Results typically available within 5 to 10 days. The Prosecutor issues a formal release order once the post-mortem is complete.

Without the Prosecutor’s release order, the body cannot be embalmed or moved. This is the most common source of delay in Romanian repatriations.

Step 4: Embalming

Embalming is mandatory for international transfer under the Strasbourg Agreement. The Romanian funeral director arranges this once the Prosecutor’s release is in hand. Bucharest has several funeral directors experienced with the UK route.

Step 5: Laissez-passer

The laissez-passer is issued by the Consiliul Judetean (County Council) or local authority. Required documents: Certificat de deces, embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease certificate (from the local health authority). Processing takes 2 to 5 days. The laissez-passer is the final document needed before air cargo booking.

Step 6: Air cargo to the UK

Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport (OTP) has direct daily flights to London Luton, Stansted, Heathrow, and Birmingham with Wizz Air, Ryanair, TAROM, and British Airways. Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) also has UK routes. Human remains travel as sealed air cargo. Multiple daily departures mean cargo booking is rarely delayed by flight availability.

Step 7: What families can do from the UK

Provide the UK specialist with: the deceased’s Romanian or UK passport, travel insurance documents, and the name and contact of any in-Romania family member or contact who can liaise with local authorities. Romanian-speaking staff are available at many UK funeral directors serving Romanian communities. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Romania; Romanian Civil Status Law No. 119/1996 (2023).