Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Argentina to the United States
For families bringing someone home to the United States. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Argentina to the 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.
- All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for the United States acceptance.
- Argentina is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The process
What happens after a death in Argentina
When someone dies in Argentina, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 101 (police), 107 (ambulance) and registered with the Registro Civil. Obtaining the local death certificate typically takes 7-10 days, and it is this document that lets the rest of the process begin. If the death is treated as violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction, and a post-mortem may be needed before release. After the documentation is in order, the body is embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport, then sent to the United States by air cargo. From death to arrival in the United States, most cases take 2-3 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Argentina to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +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 the United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United States
When the body arrives in the 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Argentina to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Argentina to the 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 translation for acceptance in the United States.
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 require a post-mortem, which 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 the ashes home to the United States is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Acta de defuncion, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Argentina, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to the United States.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Argentina (gov.uk) · Argentina repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions