Funeral repatriation guidance
Repatriation from Brazil to the UK
Bringing your loved one home. We are here 24 hours a day.
24/7 emergency helpline
+44 (0) 000 000 0000Quick answer
Repatriation cost from Brazil to the UK
Brazil-origin repatriation costs are usually led by local funeral director charges, embalming and coffin preparation, export documentation, and long-haul air freight to the UK. Sao Paulo and Rio routes are usually more workable than secondary-city departures, but the exact total still depends on investigation status and internal transfer needs.
- The structured cost table below is the fastest way to assess the main charge categories.
- Domestic transfer to a major airport can materially change the final quote.
- Portuguese-language documentation and forensic release timing can affect cost as well as timeline.
Brazil cases become more expensive when the deceased is outside a major cargo corridor or when release is delayed by legal process.
Step by step
The repatriation process from Brazil
Here is what happens after a death in Brazil, and what you or your appointed coordinator needs to do at each stage.
Immediate steps after death
Contact local emergency services (SAMU 192 or police 190). If death occurs in hospital, staff will initiate procedures. Contact British Embassy or Consulate.
Death registration and certificate
Death registered at local Cartorio de Registro Civil. IML (Instituto Medico Legal) handles post-mortem examination if required. Death certificate (Certidao de Obito) issued by …
Embassy/Consulate notification
British Embassy in Brasilia or consulates in Sao Paulo/Rio de Janeiro. They provide list of local funeral directors and English-speaking lawyers.
Embalming and preparation
Embalming (tanatopraxia) available in major cities. Quality good in Sao Paulo and Rio. Variable in smaller cities.
Coffin requirements
Zinc-lined coffin required for air transport (IATA). Available from funeral directors in major cities.
Documentation for repatriation
Brazilian bureaucracy is notoriously slow. Apostille requirement adds time. ANVISA (health authority) clearance needed.
Air transport
Body transported as cargo. LATAM Airlines main carrier. Routes often via Lisbon (TAP) or Madrid (Iberia) to London.
Reception in UK
UK funeral director receives body at airport. Customs clearance at Heathrow typically.
What you will need
Documents required for repatriation from Brazil
The following documents must be obtained before your loved one can be transported to the UK. Your local funeral director will help gather most of these.
- Certidao de Obito (death certificate)
- Embalming certificate
- Freedom from infection certificate
- Consular mortuary certificate
- Passport of deceased
- Apostille on death certificate (Hague Convention)
- ANVISA health authorisation
Documentation typically takes 7-14 days total to complete.
We handle the paperwork
Our team coordinates with local funeral directors in Brazil to ensure all documentation is obtained correctly and on time.
What to expect
How long does repatriation from Brazil take?
Timelines vary depending on the circumstances of the death and the speed of local authorities. Here is a realistic guide.
Best case
10-14 days
Natural death, straightforward documentation, no post-mortem required.
Typical case
14-28 days
Most repatriations from Brazil fall within this range.
Complex case
4-8 weeks
Post-mortem, inquest, criminal investigation, or remote location involved.
Factors that can extend the timeline
- IML post-mortem delays
- Criminal investigation
- Carnival/holiday period closures
- Remote locations
- Apostille processing
Typical costs
How much does repatriation from Brazil cost?
Cost breakdown
| Embalming | GBP 500-1,000 |
| Air freight to UK | GBP 3,000-5,000 |
Costs higher from remote locations due to internal transport to Sao Paulo hub. Carnival season (Feb-Mar) causes significant delays. VERIFY ALL COSTS BEFORE PUBLISHING.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance with repatriation cover recommended. Without insurance, costs fall entirely on family.
Structured reference
Cost and requirement tables for Brazil
The tables below provide a clean reference format for quick comparison and extraction.
Repatriation cost and timeline summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total typical cost | GBP 5,000-12,000 |
| Embalming | GBP 500-1,000 |
| Air freight to UK | GBP 3,000-5,000 |
| Best case timeline | 10-14 days |
| Typical timeline | 14-28 days |
| Complex case timeline | 4-8 weeks |
Required documents summary
| Requirement | Type |
|---|---|
| Certidao de Obito (death certificate) | Mandatory document |
| Embalming certificate | Mandatory document |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Mandatory document |
| Consular mortuary certificate | Mandatory document |
| Passport of deceased | Mandatory document |
| Apostille on death certificate (Hague Convention) | Mandatory document |
| ANVISA health authorisation | Mandatory document |
| Documentation processing time | 7-14 days total |
| Death certificate | Ashes transport document |
| Cremation certificate | Ashes transport document |
| ANVISA authorisation | Ashes transport document |
Official support
British Embassy and consulates in Brazil
The British Embassy can provide assistance and information, but cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact them as early as possible.
Consulates
Cultural context
Cultural considerations in Brazil
Brazilian funerals happen fast. Repatriation delays mean the local funeral timing expectations are already passed. This can cause distress for local family/friends.
Local customs to be aware of
- Velorio (wake) is standard, usually at funeral home or church
- Burial within 24 hours is common in hot regions
- Catholic mass standard for funerals
- Black clothing expected
Just found out? Start here
If a death in Brazil has just occurred and you are not sure what to do first, our step-by-step guide explains everything from the first call through to bringing your loved one home.
What to do if someone dies in BrazilCity guides
Repatriation from specific cities in Brazil
For more specific guidance based on where the death occurred, see our city-level guides.
Alternative option
Cremation in Brazil and ashes transport
Some families choose cremation in Brazil and arrange for ashes to be returned to the UK. This is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation.
Cremation facilities are available in Brazil.
Documents required to transport ashes
- Death certificate
- Cremation certificate
- ANVISA authorisation
Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
Full cremation guide
Cremation in Brazil: documentation, airline rules, costs
Already have ashes?
Bringing ashes from Brazil to the UK: documents and airline rules
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Brazil, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated April 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Full guide: what to do if someone dies in Brazil · Frequently asked questions