Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to United Kingdom
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death must be registered with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The funeral director normally handles registration. Each Australian state has its own coroner who may be involved in unexpected deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to the UK: what to expect
Repatriation from Australia is a route our team handles regularly. The process involves state-level death registration, cargo booking from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, and UK reception. Typical timeline: 10-21 days.
- Key documents: Australian death certificate (state-issued) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British High Commission in Canberra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state/territory Registry. Death certificate issued.
Registered with state/territory Registry. Funeral director normally handles this.
Local funeral director and registry
British High Commission notification
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Australian funeral industry operates to high professional standards.
Licensed local funeral director
Complete export documentation and obtain all permits
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo booked and body transported to UK
Once all documentation complete. Direct flights to Heathrow from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Australian documentation must be in English (it is). The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British High Commission in Canberra and consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane can register the death and advise. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to the UK takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days when documentation is issued promptly. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, coronial investigation, or remote Northern Territory location can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
The core documents are: Australian death certificate (state-issued), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Passport of deceased (or copy), Export permit from the state health authority. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The British High Commission in Canberra can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the FCDO emergency line (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a UK specialist, as this can complicate documentation and cost.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Australian documentation must be in English. The coroner for the district where the funeral will take place is notified. Straightforward cases with complete documentation proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in Australia and bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit from the state health authority.
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