Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Romania to United States
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The process
What happens after a death in Romania
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the local Serviciul de Stare Civila within 3 days. The Parchet (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction for violent or suspicious deaths. The certificat de deces is issued in Romanian and requires certified English translation for UK and Irish destinations. Romania is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document authentication.
Key facts
Repatriation from Romania to United States: what to expect
Repatriation from Romania to United States follows Romania's civil registration and export procedures. Most cases take 2-3 weeks.
- Key document: certificat de deces (Starea Civila)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Bucharest can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Romania is a Hague Apostille member (member). This simplifies document authentication.
- All Romanian-language documentation requires certified English translation where needed.
Step by step
Timeline: Romania to United States
Immediate steps after death. Report to local emergency services and contact a specialist.
Day of death. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificat de deces (starea civila) obtained from Serviciul de Stare Civila (Civil Status Office).
Registration must occur promptly. The Parchet (Prosecutor's Office) investigates violent or sudden deaths. Clearance is needed before the body can be released for repatriation.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Embassy or consulate notified. Notify US Embassy or Consulate. US Dept of State emergency: 1-888-407-4747.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for international air transport.
After body released by authorities. IATA P650 requirements apply.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits and authenticated documents obtained. Death certificates are in Romanian. Certified English translation is required for UK, Irish, and most Anglophone destinations.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Henri Coanda International Airport Bucharest (OTP) to JFK, LAX, ORD, MIA, or the nearest major gateway.
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
US funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal. CDC importation checks apply.
Within 24-48 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Romania to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Romania to United States takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 3-6 weeks.
The core documents are: certificat de deces (Starea Civila), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. Death certificates are in Romanian. Certified English translation is required for UK, Irish, and most Anglophone destinations. Source: FCDO Travel Advice Romania 2025.
The Bucharest-based British embassy or high commission can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CDC importation requirements apply. The state records office must be notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay. All documentation from Romania must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.
Yes. Cremation in Romania is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.
In United States
When the body arrives in United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CDC importation requirements apply. The state records office must be notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
US Embassy or Consulate in Romania: contact details vary by country. US Dept of State emergency: 1-888-407-4747 (from US) or +1-202-501-4444.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Romania, 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 · Romania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions