Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Chile
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Chile: what to expect
The United States has a Chilean diaspora community, concentrated in Miami, New York, and California, with migration increasing following political changes in Chile in the 1970s and 1980s. The US is also among the leading sources of visitors to Chile. When a Chilean national dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Chilean Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI). US death certificates require certified Spanish translation. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; US-issued apostille certificates are accepted. (FCDO Travel Advice: Chile, 2025; SRCEI, Chile, 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.
- Chile Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Chile
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
Chile 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 Chile
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Chile funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Chile
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Chile 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 Chile Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Chile 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 Chilean funeral director takes custody at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago cargo terminal. The Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) registers the death and issues the certificado de defuncion in Spanish. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation before submission to SRCEI. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. 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 Chile
When the body arrives in Chile
The Chilean funeral director takes custody at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago cargo terminal. Regional airports serve other areas, including El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. Death registration in Chile is handled by the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) at the local Civil Registry Office. The certificado de defuncion (death certificate) is issued in Spanish; all foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI), Chile, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Chile, 2025.)
Consular support
The Chilean Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Chile. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) in Chile 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