Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Canada
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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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Canada: what to expect
The United States and Canada share the world's longest undefended border and a deeply integrated bilateral relationship. Millions of Americans and Canadians live on either side of the border, and cross-border family ties are extremely common, particularly between the northern US states and Canadian provinces. The Canadian Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Canadian family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The Canadian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024. (FCDO Travel Advice: Canada, 2025; Service Canada, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Washington DC registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Canada Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Canada
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
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
Canada 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 Canada
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Canada 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 States to Canada
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Canada 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 Canada Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Canada 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 Canadian funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The relevant provincial civil registration authority registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation where not in English or French. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required for all imported human remains. Provincial regulations for burial and cremation vary. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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.
In Canada
When the body arrives in Canada
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), or another major airport cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Canada is handled by the provincial civil registration authority in the province where the death is registered: for example, Service Ontario in Ontario, or the Quebec Directeur de l'etat civil. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English or French, accompanied by a certified translation. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required for all imported human remains. Provincial regulations for burial and cremation vary and are enforced by the receiving funeral director. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Service Canada, Provincial civil registration offices, 2025; Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Canada, 2025.)
Consular support
The Canadian High Commission or Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Canada. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, in force November 2024. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the relevant provincial civil registration authority for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in the United States, 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 States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions