How do you bring a loved one home from Brazil?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in Brazil?

Contact local emergency services (SAMU 192 or police 190). If death occurs in hospital, staff will initiate procedures. Contact British Embassy or Consulate.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from Brazil take?

In most cases, repatriation from Brazil takes 14-28 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 4-8 weeks or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• IML post-mortem delays
• Criminal investigation
• Carnival/holiday period closures
• Remote locations
• Apostille processing

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from Brazil?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• 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.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in Brazil do when someone dies?

For British nationals, the British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf. If your loved one was a citizen of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate instead.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from Brazil instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in Brazil. Transporting ashes home requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Documents needed to transport ashes

• Death certificate
• Cremation certificate
• ANVISA authorisation

Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from Brazil?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.