Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Peru to Spain
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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 Spain: what to expect
Peruvian nationals form part of Spain's Latin American community. This corridor handles cases where a Spain-based Peruvian has a family member die in Peru and needs remains brought to Spain. Documentation is in Spanish on both sides.
- 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 Spain acceptance.
- The Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) is involved in all violent or suspicious deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Peru to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +34 91 379 9700.
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
Spain 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 Spain
Once all documentation complete. Spain cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Spain funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Peru to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Peru to Spain 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 Spain Embassy in Lima can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain 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 Spanish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. The Registro Civil registers the death. Island deaths require a mainland transfer first. Unexpected deaths may require a Juzgado de Instruccion investigation before release. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the Registro Civil and local health 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.
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director (empresa funeraria) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), or another Spanish airport. The Registro Civil registers the death. For deaths in the Canary or Balearic Islands, an internal mainland transfer is required before any international cargo flight departs. All foreign documents must carry a certified Spanish translation. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
Consular support
Spanish Embassy in Lima can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +34 91 379 9700 (24 hours). The Spanish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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