Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to China
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Repatriation from the United States to China: what to expect
Chinese nationals in the United States include one of the largest overseas Chinese communities globally, covering students, professionals, business people, and permanent residents. English-language US death certificates require certified simplified Chinese translation and legalisation through the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC. China has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 7 November 2023, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- 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.
- China Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In China
When the body arrives in China
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) cargo terminal, depending on the destination city. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection of all incoming remains. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards and civil registration. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation. China has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 7 November 2023, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. An embalming certificate, health certificate, and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements and legalisation for repatriation to China. China is not a Hague Apostille member; all documents must be legalised through the Chinese Embassy. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 China
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
China 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 China
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
China 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 China
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to China 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 China Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the China 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 Chinese funeral director takes custody at Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) cargo terminal. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation and full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy in the origin country. China is not a Hague Apostille member. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and all documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition.
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
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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 China.
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