Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic
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Repatriation from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic: what to expect
The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular long-haul holiday destinations for British travellers, with Punta Cana in particular attracting large numbers of package tourists. When someone from the United Kingdom dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the Dominican Republic, the death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI. The Dominican Republic Embassy in London can advise on documentation requirements for the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) civil registry. UK death certificates require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009. (FCDO guidance: When someone dies in the Dominican Republic; Junta Central Electoral (JCE), Dominican Republic, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the the Dominican Republic High Commission or Embassy in London for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) promptly.
- the Dominican Republic Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United Kingdom
Call 999 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a removal order before the body can leave England and Wales. The United Kingdom is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Coroner cases add time: the coroner must be satisfied the body may leave before issuing the order for removal out of England and Wales.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the the Dominican Republic High Commission or Embassy in London.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
the Dominican Republic High Commission or Embassy in London 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 Dominican Republic
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Dominican Republic funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-14 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) 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 Dominican Republic Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Dominican Republic Embassy in London 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 Dominican funeral director takes custody at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) or Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) cargo terminal. The Junta Central Electoral (JCE) is the civil registry authority; it registers the death and issues the death certificate in Spanish. Foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in the United Kingdom is widely available. A second medical certificate is required for cremation before the body can be removed. If the coroner is involved, a coroner's certificate replaces the second medical certificate. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In the Dominican Republic
When the body arrives in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican funeral director takes custody at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) cargo terminal. Death registration in the Dominican Republic is handled by the Junta Central Electoral (JCE), the civil registry authority. Death certificates are issued in Spanish; foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Junta Central Electoral (JCE), Dominican Republic, 2025; FCDO guidance: When someone dies in the Dominican Republic.)
Consular support
The Dominican Republic Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in the United Kingdom, 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 Dominican Republic.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Frequently asked questions