Question 1

How long does repatriation from Sao Paulo take?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation from Sao Paulo, Brazil typically takes 14-28 days in a straightforward case. The process follows standard Brazil procedure: local funeral director handles embalming and documentation, cargo departs from GRU airport. Complex cases involving post-mortem can take 4-8 weeks.

Question 2

Who do I contact first when someone dies in Sao Paulo?

Accepted Answer

When someone dies in Sao Paulo, contact a specialist repatriation company and the embassy or consulate of the person's own country as soon as possible. The specialist will coordinate with a licensed local funeral director in Sao Paulo and notify the relevant local authorities. Avoid instructing a local funeral director directly before engaging a specialist, as this can complicate documentation.

Question 3

Which airport does repatriation cargo fly from in Sao Paulo?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation cargo from Sao Paulo typically departs from Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Cargo is transported as human remains on full-service commercial airlines. Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet do not carry human remains.

Question 4

What documents are needed for repatriation from Sao Paulo?

Accepted Answer

The required documents for repatriation from Sao Paulo include: local death certificate, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and airline cargo documentation. The local funeral director in Sao Paulo will obtain most of these on the family's behalf. Documentation typically takes 7-14 days total.

Local funeral director	Set by the firm handling the case in Sao Paulo
Air freight from GRU	Turns on routing and how often flights go
Investigation	A post-mortem or inquest adds mortuary time
Reception at home	Depends on the receiving funeral home

Repatriation from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Deaths in Sao Paulo: local context

Common circumstances

Airport cargo

Flights and routing

Local considerations in Sao Paulo

Hospitals and forensic services in Sao Paulo

Hospitals

Forensic mortuary

Repatriation from Sao Paulo: how it works

Embassy contact

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