Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Switzerland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death is certified by a registered medical practitioner. The death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Australia is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The registration process is straightforward; the coroner's release is the main cause of delay in complex cases.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to Switzerland: what to expect
Australian nationals work in Switzerland in pharmaceutical, financial, and international organisation sectors. Switzerland is a destination for Australian tourists on Alpine and European itineraries, and a small Australian community is established in Geneva and Zurich. The Swiss Embassy in Canberra is operational. When a person with Swiss family connections dies in Australia, the death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Switzerland joined in 1972. A certified translation into the language of the receiving canton may be required for the Zivilstandsamt. (FCDO Travel Advice: Switzerland, 2025; Federal Civil Registry Office, Switzerland, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Canberra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Switzerland Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Switzerland Embassy in Canberra 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Switzerland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss funeral director takes custody at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA) cargo terminal, or at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse (BSL/MLH) depending on the final destination. Death registration in Switzerland is handled by the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) in the canton where the death is registered. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The Todesurkunde (death certificate) is issued in the language of the relevant canton. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the receiving canton where not already in the appropriate language. The cantonal public prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Zivilstandsamt, Federal Civil Registry Office, Switzerland, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Switzerland, 2025.)
Consular support
The Swiss Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Zivilstandsamt in the receiving canton for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Switzerland takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Switzerland Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Swiss funeral director takes custody at Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), or Basel (BSL) cargo terminal. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) in the receiving canton registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the relevant canton (German, French, or Italian). The cantonal Staatsanwaltschaft handles violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Zivilstandsamt.
Cremation in Australia is widely available in all states and territories. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Australia, 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 · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions