Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to the United States
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Repatriation from Ireland to the United States: what to expect
Ireland and the United States share one of the world's strongest bilateral bonds, rooted in the Irish diaspora of the 19th and 20th centuries. More than 30 million Americans claim Irish heritage, and Irish nationals continue to emigrate to and work across the United States. The US Embassy in Dublin is fully operational. When someone from Ireland dies in the United States and their family wishes to repatriate remains home, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Both Ireland and the United States are Hague Apostille Convention members. The US Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation. (FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025; US Department of State, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the the United States High Commission or Embassy in Dublin for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office) promptly.
- the United States Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In the United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal at the receiving city's international airport. Major cargo gateways include John F Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami (MIA), depending on the final destination. Each US state operates its own civil registration system. The death is registered with the state civil records office in the state where the remains are received. The medical examiner or coroner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths; processes vary by state and county. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All imported human remains must comply with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin. (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025.)
Consular support
The US Embassy or Consulate in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the United States. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the state civil records office in the receiving state for civil registration queries. The CDC importation rules apply to all human remains entering the United States.
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered with the local civil registration service. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a burial or cremation order before the body can be released. Ireland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. In complex cases, the coroner's investigation can take several weeks before the body is released.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Contact the the United States High Commission or Embassy in Dublin.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
the United States High Commission or Embassy in 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 authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). 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
the 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 Ireland to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to the United States takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The the United States Embassy in Dublin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the United States Embassy in Dublin as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The US funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The death is registered with the relevant state civil records office. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation. The medical examiner or coroner handles violent or unexplained deaths. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. All imported human remains must comply with CDC importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin.
Cremation in Ireland is available at a number of approved locations, including facilities in Dublin and other cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Ireland, 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 · Ireland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions