Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Bolivia to Spain
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Repatriation from Bolivia to Spain: what to expect
Bolivian nationals form part of Spain's Latin American diaspora, with a community concentrated in Madrid and Catalonia. Documentation is in Spanish on both sides. The Bolivian civil registry (Servicio de Registro Civico) handles official documentation.
- Key document: death certificate from SEGIP (Servicio General de Identificación Personal)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Bolivia joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Repatriation flights route via Lima, Bogotá, or São Paulo. La Paz's altitude of 3,600 metres can affect preparation procedures.
- Spain Embassy in La Paz can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Bolivia
Call 110 (police) or 118 (ambulance). Death must be registered with SEGIP, the Servicio General de Identificación Personal. The Bolivian authorities take jurisdiction over violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. La Paz's high altitude at 3,600 metres above sea level is a relevant factor in embalming and preparation, and an experienced local funeral director is needed from the outset.
Step by step
Timeline: Bolivia to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Spain: +34 91 379 9700).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained from SEGIP.
Bolivian authorities notified if death is sudden, violent, or unexplained.
Local funeral director and registry
Spain Embassy in La Paz notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation, accounting for altitude.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation, apostille, and permits obtained.
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Spain
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Spain funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Bolivia to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Bolivia to Spain takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days where no investigation is required. Where a post-mortem or inquest is needed, the process can extend to 6-10 weeks.
Bolivia's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention means document legalisation is faster than in non-member countries. La Paz's extreme altitude affects embalming procedures, so a funeral director experienced in high-altitude preparation is important.
The core documents are: death certificate from SEGIP (Servicio General de Identificación Personal) with certified English translation, apostille endorsement, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the export permit. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining all these on your behalf.
The Spain Embassy in La Paz can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain Embassy in La Paz as soon as possible after the death.
A post-mortem is required for violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. The Bolivian authorities must release the body before repatriation can proceed. Your specialist will monitor progress and keep you updated at each stage.
The Spanish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. The Registro Civil registers the death. Island deaths require a mainland transfer first. Unexpected deaths may require a Juzgado de Instruccion investigation before release. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the Registro Civil and local health authorities.
Cremation is available in Bolivia's main cities. You will need the death certificate with certified translation, the cremation certificate, and export documentation. Your specialist can advise on the specific requirements.
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director (empresa funeraria) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), or another Spanish airport. The Registro Civil registers the death. For deaths in the Canary or Balearic Islands, an internal mainland transfer is required before any international cargo flight departs. All foreign documents must carry a certified Spanish translation. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
Consular support
Spanish Embassy in La Paz can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +34 91 379 9700 (24 hours). The Spanish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Bolivia, 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 Spain.
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 Bolivia (gov.uk) · Bolivia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions