Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Andorra to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Andorra to Ireland: what to expect
Andorra is a small landlocked principality in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. There is no resident Irish Embassy in Andorra; consular support is provided by the Irish Embassy in Madrid. Air cargo to Ireland goes via Barcelona or Toulouse airports, both a short drive from Andorra. Andorra is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from death to arrival in Ireland.
- Key document: Registre Civil d'Andorra (Civil Registry) death certificate. Catalan is the official language.
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a repatriation specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy Madrid covers Andorra. There is no resident Irish Embassy in Andorra.
- Andorra participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Air cargo to Ireland goes via Barcelona or Toulouse airports.
Step by step
Timeline: Andorra to Ireland
Notify emergency services and contact an Irish repatriation specialist
Day of death. Call 110 (police) or 116 (ambulance). DFA 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with the Registre Civil d'Andorra. Death certificate issued in Catalan.
Registration normally completed within 24-48 hours.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Irish Embassy Madrid notified and consulted
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy advises on documentation and local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for transport
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
Apostille certification and certified English translations completed
Allow 3-7 days from death certificate issue. Cannot begin until certificate issued.
Repatriation specialist
Air cargo booked from Barcelona or Toulouse to Dublin
Once all documentation is complete and cleared.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival in Ireland.
Receiving Irish funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Andorra
Call 110 (police) or 116 (ambulance). Death must be registered with the Registre Civil d'Andorra. Catalan is the official language; documentation may require certified English translation for Irish acceptance. Andorra participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, which allows documents to be authenticated for overseas use. Air cargo to Ireland departs from Barcelona El Prat Airport or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, each approximately a two-hour drive from Andorra la Vella. The Irish Embassy in Madrid covers Andorra in the absence of a resident embassy (Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000, gov.ie, 2026).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Andorra to Ireland
Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the date of death. Where documentation is issued promptly and no investigation is required, some cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases involving a judicial inquiry can take 3-4 weeks.
There is no resident Irish Embassy in Andorra. The Irish Embassy in Madrid covers consular matters for Andorra. The Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line is +353 1 408 2000.
The core documents are: Registre Civil d'Andorra death certificate (with certified English translation if required), Apostille certification, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Export permit. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining and certifying these on your behalf.
Catalan is the official language of Andorra and official documents are issued in Catalan. Certified English translations may be required for Irish acceptance. Andorra participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies the authentication process.
Andorra has no airport. Air cargo to Ireland departs from Barcelona El Prat Airport (approximately two hours from Andorra la Vella) or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (around two hours away). Both have good connections to Dublin.
Cremation facilities are available in Spain, including in Barcelona. Bringing ashes home to Ireland is generally faster and simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and certified translations where required.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in order. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases with complete paperwork proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Madrid covers Andorra and can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Andorra, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
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 June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Andorra repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions