Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to the United States
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 the United States: what to expect
Australia and the United States maintain close bilateral ties as longstanding allies, with a substantial movement of nationals between the two countries for tourism, work, and education. Australian nationals travel widely across the United States, and an Australian expat community is established in cities including Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The US Embassy in Canberra is fully operational. When an Australian national dies in the United States and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Australia, the death is registered with the state civil records office. Both Australia and the United States are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025; US Department of State, 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.
- the United States Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to the United States
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
the United States 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 the United States
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the United States funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal at the receiving city's international airport. Major cargo gateways include John F Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami (MIA), depending on the final destination. Each US state operates its own civil registration system. The death is registered with the state civil records office in the state where the remains are received. The medical examiner or coroner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths; processes vary by state and county. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All imported human remains must comply with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin. (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025.)
Consular support
The US Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the United States. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the state civil records office in the receiving state for civil registration queries. The CDC importation rules apply to all human remains entering the United States.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to the United States 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 the United States Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the United States 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 US funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The death is registered with the relevant state civil records office. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation. The medical examiner or coroner handles violent or unexplained deaths. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. All imported human remains must comply with CDC importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin.
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