Repatriation from Hungary

Allow 10-14 days for a straightforward case from Hungary. Where nothing is contested it can be done in 7 days. Where a post-mortem or a police investigation has to conclude first, expect 21+ days.

There is no standard figure, and quoting one before we know the case would be misleading. The cost of bringing someone home from Hungary moves with the place of death, whether an investigation has to finish first, the paperwork required, and which flights carry remains on that route. Tell us what happened and we will come back with a figure, with no obligation.

The laissez-passer is issued by the Government Office (Kormanyablak) or competent district authority. Combined with the death certificate, embalming certificate, and freedom from contagious disease clearance, this forms the export package. All documents are in Hungarian and require certified translation.

For violent, sudden or suspicious deaths, the Public Prosecutor authorises the body's release after forensic examination. The National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Budapest (ORVOSI) conducts post-mortems. Results typically available within 5-10 days.

After a cremation abroad, ashes can normally be carried home to the UK in hand luggage, provided the cremation certificate travels with them; other countries set their own rules for bringing ashes in.