Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Peru to Italy
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Peru
Contact emergency services (105). Death must be registered with the RENIEC or Registro Civil. The Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Peru to Italy: what to expect
Peruvian nationals form a significant Latin American community in Italy, with over 100,000 residents concentrated in Milan, Turin, and Rome. Peru to Italy is one of Italy's more established South American repatriation corridors. Documentation from Peru is in Spanish, requiring certified Italian translation. The Italian Embassy in Lima handles consular matters.
- Key document: Acta de defuncion (death certificate from RENIEC or Registro Civil)
- Documentation takes 7-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Lima registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for Italy acceptance.
- The Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) is involved in all violent or suspicious deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Peru to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +39 06 3691 3691.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acta de defuncion (death certificate from RENIEC or Registro Civil) obtained.
Death must be registered with the RENIEC or Registro Civil. Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Italy Embassy in Lima 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 7-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Italy
Once all documentation complete. Italy cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Lima can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Peru to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Peru to Italy takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for UK acceptance.
The core documents are: Acta de defuncion (certified English translation required), Fiscalia clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Italy Embassy in Lima can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Lima 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 Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Cremation in Peru is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Peru, 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 · Peru repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions