Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Lithuania
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The 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.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Lithuania: what to expect
Lithuania has one of the largest diaspora communities relative to population size of any European Union member state, and the United Kingdom is home to one of the biggest Lithuanian communities outside Lithuania. When someone from the United Kingdom dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Lithuania, 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 Lithuanian Embassy in London can advise on documentation requirements for the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division). UK death certificates require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. (FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025; Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Lithuania 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.
- Lithuania Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Lithuania
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Lithuania 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
Lithuania 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 Lithuania
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Lithuania 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 Lithuania
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Lithuania takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 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 Lithuania Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Lithuania 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 Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. The Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality registers the death and issues the mirties liudijimas (death certificate) in Lithuanian. All foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation before submission to Lithuanian authorities. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports.
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 Lithuania
When the body arrives in Lithuania
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. Death registration in Lithuania is handled by the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality under the Ministry of Justice. The mirties liudijimas (death certificate) is issued in Lithuanian; all foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025.)
Consular support
The Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Lithuania. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) in Lithuania for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in the United Kingdom, 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 · the United Kingdom repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions