Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Belgium
For families bringing someone home to Belgium. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Belgium: what to expect
Belgium hosts NATO headquarters and several major international organisations in Brussels, maintaining a significant American military and diplomatic presence. The United States has historical connections to Belgium from both World Wars, and American tourists visit Belgian battlefields and cities. The Belgian Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Belgian family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Belgian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the commune administration. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Belgium Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Belgium
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Belgium Embassy in Washington DC 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Belgium
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Belgium funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Belgium
When the body arrives in Belgium
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. Death registration in Belgium is handled by the commune (gemeentehuis) in the municipality where the death is registered, via the Registre National des Personnes Physiques (National Register). Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in French, Dutch, or German, accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the relevant Belgian region. The Parquet (public prosecutor's office) is notified for medico-legal cases. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1976; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Belgian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Belgium. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1976. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the relevant commune administration for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Belgium
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Belgium takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) 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 Belgium Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Belgium Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. The commune (gemeentehuis) registers the death via the Registre National des Personnes Physiques. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the relevant Belgian language (French, Dutch, or German). The Parquet is notified for medico-legal cases. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1976. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local commune.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 Belgium.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions