Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Costa Rica 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.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Costa Rica to the United States: what to expect
Costa Rican nationals in the United States include professionals, students, and a small but established diaspora community. The United States and Costa Rica have close bilateral ties under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and significant numbers of US citizens also retire to Costa Rica, making this a corridor travelled in both directions. Spanish documentation from Costa Rica requires certified English translation for US state-level civil registration purposes. The US Embassy in San Jose handles consular matters. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate from the Registro Civil (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Costa Rica is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying document legalisation.
- United States Embassy in San Jose can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Costa Rica 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. Certificate obtained from the Registro Civil.
OIJ notified for suspicious, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Local funeral director and registry
United States Embassy in San Jose 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 or OIJ.
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 the United States
Once all documentation complete.
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
The process
What happens after a death in Costa Rica
Call 911 for emergency services. Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones). Suspicious, violent, or unexplained deaths are investigated by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), which must authorise release of the body.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Costa Rica to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Costa Rica to the United States takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Where the OIJ investigates or a post-mortem is ordered, the process can extend to 4-6 weeks.
Costa Rica's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention means document legalisation is faster than in non-member countries. Notify your travel insurer on the same day if a policy is in place.
The core documents are: death certificate from the Registro Civil (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones) 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 United States Embassy in San Jose can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in San Jose as soon as possible after the death.
A post-mortem is required for deaths investigated by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). This applies to all sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. The OIJ must authorise release of the body before repatriation can begin.
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 is available in Costa Rica. You will need the death certificate with certified translation, the cremation certificate, and the export permit. Your specialist can advise on the current requirements.
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 San Jose 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
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Costa Rica, 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 Costa Rica (gov.uk) · Costa Rica repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions