Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to the United Kingdom
For families bringing someone home to the United Kingdom. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Ireland to the United Kingdom: what to expect
Repatriation from Ireland to the United Kingdom is the most accessible international route families encounter. Both countries share the Common Travel Area, close diplomatic ties, and frequent direct flights. Death certificates are issued in English by the General Register Office (GRO) of Ireland. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the date of death to arrival.
- Key document: death certificate from the General Register Office (GRO) of Ireland, issued in English
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Dublin provides consular support.
- Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area and very close legal and administrative ties.
- Dublin Airport and Cork Airport both have frequent direct flights to UK airports, making cargo logistics straightforward.
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death must be registered with the General Register Office (GRO) of Ireland. The Coroner applies Irish law to sudden and unexplained deaths. All documentation is in English, which means there are no translation requirements at any stage of the process. The Common Travel Area means that the administrative relationship between Ireland and the UK is closer than with any other foreign country, and this simplifies both consular registration and the reception of the body on arrival.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificate obtained from the General Register Office (GRO) of Ireland.
Irish Coroner notified for sudden or unexplained deaths.
Local funeral director and GRO
British Embassy Dublin notified.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by the Irish Coroner or registry.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to the United Kingdom from Dublin Airport or Cork Airport on direct flight.
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Kingdom funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Dublin can register the death and advise on local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ireland to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to the United Kingdom takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-7 days. Where the Irish Coroner investigates or a post-mortem is required, the process can extend to 2-4 weeks. This is one of the quickest and least complex international repatriation routes.
The British Embassy in Dublin is your first consular contact. Call the FCDO 24-hour emergency line on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 immediately. All documentation is in English, and Ireland's close relationship with the UK under the Common Travel Area means the administrative process is simpler than most international routes. Notify your travel insurer on the day of death if a policy is in place.
The core documents are: death certificate from the General Register Office (GRO) of Ireland, Irish Coroner's release where applicable, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the export permit. All documents are in English. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining all these on your behalf.
The British Embassy in Dublin can register the death with UK authorities and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. The FCDO 24-hour emergency line is +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
A post-mortem is required for sudden and unexplained deaths under Irish Coroner's law. The Coroner must release the body before repatriation can proceed. This is standard procedure for any sudden or unexpected death, not an indication of any wrongdoing.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal or following road transfer across the border. The coroner for the district is notified. Where documentation is complete and in order, straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation is widely available across Ireland. Transporting ashes to the UK requires the death certificate and cremation certificate. This is a straightforward process given the close relationship between Ireland and the UK. Your specialist can advise on whether road or air transport is appropriate for your circumstances.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Ireland, 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 Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Ireland · Ireland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions