Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from India to Canada
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Repatriation from India to Canada: what to expect
Indian-Canadians form one of the largest South Asian diaspora groups in Canada. This corridor handles cases where a Canada-based Indian has a family member die in India and needs remains brought to Canada. Indian documentation requires certified English translation.
- Key documents: Indian death certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local police
- Documentation takes 14-30 days minimum. Often 4-6 weeks.
- Post-mortem is frequently required: Indian police routinely order examinations for unexpected foreign national deaths.
- Canada Embassy in New Delhi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Canada
When the body arrives in Canada
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required. The required documents are: the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. Provincial or territorial regulations apply and vary between Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and other provinces. (Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
Consular support
Canadian Embassy or High Commission in New Delhi can assist Canadian 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. Global Affairs Canada emergency line: +1 (613) 996-8885 (24 hours, collect calls accepted).
The process
Key steps for repatriation from India
Contact local emergency services (112 in many states, 100 for police, 102/108 for ambulance). If death occurs outside hospital, police must be notified. Death must be registered with the local municipal authority within 21 days.
Step by step
Timeline: India to Canada
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Canada: +1 (613) 996-8885).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with local municipal authority within 21 days
Funeral director handles registration. Post-mortem ordered by police delays this.
Local funeral director and municipal authority
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming (urgent in Indian climate)
India's tropical climate requires urgent embalming.
Licensed local funeral director
Police NOC, health authority clearance, and all export documentation obtained
Allow 14-30 days minimum. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or relevant regional airport
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Canada 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 India to Canada
In a straightforward case, repatriation from India to Canada takes 4-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem or death in a smaller city can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Indian police routinely order post-mortem examinations for unexpected deaths of foreign nationals. It is standard procedure. The post-mortem adds time and the body cannot be released until police issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The core documents are: Indian death certificate, Embalming certificate, Police No Objection Certificate (NOC), Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Canada Embassy in New Delhi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Canada Embassy in New Delhi as soon as possible after the death.
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CBSA clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. Provincial regulations govern the burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the appropriate provincial authority.
Yes. Cremation in India and bringing the ashes home to Canada is an option. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and a No Objection Certificate from the local authorities.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in India, 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 Canada.
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 India (gov.uk) · India repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions