Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Russia to the United States
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Repatriation from Russia to the United States: what to expect
Russian nationals and Russian-Americans form a significant diaspora community in the United States, concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, US-Russia diplomatic relations deteriorated significantly, with both countries reducing embassy staffing. The US Embassy in Moscow continues to operate at a reduced capacity. Specialist coordination is strongly recommended. Russian documentation requires certified English translation. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Svidetelstvo o smerti (Certificate of Death) from ZAGS (civil registry), in Russian, requiring certified English translation
- Cargo routes via third countries.
- Documentation takes 14-28 days in most cases
- All Russian documentation requires certified English translation
- United States Embassy in Moscow can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Moscow can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
The process
What happens after a death in Russia
Call 112 for emergency services. Death in Russia is registered with ZAGS (Zapisi Aktov Grazhdanskogo Sostoyaniya), the civil registry office, which issues the Svidetelstvo o smerti (Certificate of Death) in Russian. Where a death is violent, suspicious, or unexplained, the Sledstvenny Komitet (Investigative Committee) takes jurisdiction and a post-mortem is required before the body is released.
Step by step
Timeline: Russia to the United States
Embassy or consulate notified
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +1 (202) 501-4444).
Family
Death registered with the local ZAGS office. Svidetelstvo o smerti obtained in Russian.
Days 1-7. Registration is generally required within 3 days under Russian law.
Local contacts and repatriation specialist
United States Embassy in Moscow notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy advises on what assistance is currently possible.
Family or repatriation specialist
Post-mortem completed if required by Sledstvenny Komitet. Body released.
Variable: add 1-4 weeks if investigation and post-mortem required.
Sledstvenny Komitet and medical authorities
Embalming and preparation. Certified English translations of all documents arranged.
After body is released. Allow 14-28 days for full document set including translations.
Local funeral director and repatriation specialist
Export permit obtained. Air cargo routing via third country (Turkey, UAE, or Georgia) arranged.
Once documentation is complete. Transit routing adds time.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation and transit arrangements are in place.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo teams
United States funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Russia to the United States
US Embassy in Moscow can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
The current diplomatic and flight situation means timelines are longer and less predictable than before 2022. In the most favourable circumstances, 3-4 weeks is possible. Most cases take 4-8 weeks. Cases involving a post-mortem, diplomatic complications, or delays with transit routing can take 12 weeks or more.
The core documents are: the ZAGS Svidetelstvo o smerti (death certificate) with certified English translation, post-mortem report where required, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, export permit, and any transit country documentation. All Russian documentation requires certified English translation.
Cremation is available in Russia. However, the same restrictions on flight routes, documentation, and consular access apply to repatriation of ashes as to full body repatriation. Ashes would still need to transit via a third country. Specialist coordination is essential.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Russia, 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 States.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Russia (gov.uk) · Russia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions