Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Slovakia
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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 Slovakia: what to expect
Slovakia has a substantial diaspora community in the United Kingdom, with nationals drawn particularly to London, Coventry, and other cities since EU accession in 2004. When someone from the United Kingdom dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Slovakia, 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 Slovak Embassy in London can advise on documentation requirements for the local matrika (civil registry office). UK death certificates require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002. (FCDO Travel Advice: Slovakia, 2025; Ministry of Interior Civil Registry Division (Matriky), Slovakia, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Slovakia 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.
- Slovakia Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Slovakia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Slovakia 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
Slovakia 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 Slovakia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Slovakia 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 Slovakia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Slovakia 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 Slovakia Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Slovakia 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 Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal, or via Vienna International Airport (VIE) for families travelling through Austria. The local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad or mestsky urad registers the death and issues a certificate in Slovak. Foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia is an EU member. 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 Slovakia
When the body arrives in Slovakia
The Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal; some families also route via Vienna International Airport (VIE), approximately 60 kilometres from Bratislava. Death registration in Slovakia is handled by the local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad (municipal office) or mestsky urad (city office). Death certificates are issued in Slovak; foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Ministry of Interior Civil Registry Division (Matriky), Slovakia, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Slovakia, 2025.)
Consular support
The Slovak Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Slovakia. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ministry of Interior Civil Registry Division (Matriky) in Slovakia for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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