Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Georgia to United States
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The process
What happens after a death in Georgia
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency. The Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Georgia to United States: what to expect
Georgian nationals form a growing diaspora in the United States, concentrated in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. Georgia and the United States have strong bilateral ties, and many Georgians emigrated following the 1990s political and economic challenges, with further migration after the 2008 conflict. Georgian documentation in the Georgian script requires certified English translation for US state and customs requirements. The US Embassy in Tbilisi handles consular matters.
- Key document: Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Tbilisi registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency promptly.
- All Georgian-language documentation requires a certified English translation for United States acceptance.
Step by step
Timeline: Georgia to United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 (202) 501-4444.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency. Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
United States Embassy in Tbilisi 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 United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Georgia to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Georgia to United States takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency promptly.
The core documents are: Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The United States Embassy in Tbilisi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
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 in Georgia is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is an option alongside full body repatriation.
In United States
When the body arrives in 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 Tbilisi 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Georgia, 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 · Georgia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions