Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Argentina to United States
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Argentina
Contact emergency services (101 (police), 107 (ambulance)). Death must be registered with the Registro Civil. The Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Argentina to United States: what to expect
Argentine nationals form a significant diaspora in the United States, concentrated in Florida, New York, California, and Texas, with established Argentine-American communities in Miami and New York City. Argentina and the United States have bilateral diplomatic relations as Western Hemisphere partners. Spanish documentation from Argentina requires certified English translation for US state requirements. The US Embassy in Buenos Aires handles consular matters.
- Key document: Acta de defuncion (death certificate from Registro Civil)
- Documentation takes 7-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Buenos Aires registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for United States acceptance.
- Argentina is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
Step by step
Timeline: Argentina to United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 (202) 501-4444.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acta de defuncion (death certificate from Registro Civil) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil. Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
United States Embassy in Buenos Aires notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 7-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United States
When the body arrives in United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Buenos Aires can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Argentina to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Argentina to United States takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for UK acceptance.
The core documents are: Acta de defuncion (certified English translation required), Fiscalia clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The United States Embassy in Buenos Aires can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Buenos Aires as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
Cremation in Argentina is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Acta de defuncion, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Argentina, 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 · Argentina repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions