Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Croatia
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Croatia: what to expect
The Croatian-American community has roots stretching back to nineteenth-century migration, with concentrations in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York. When a person with Croatian connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Croatia, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. US death certificates require certified Croatian translation for use in Croatia. The Embassy of Croatia in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for the maticar (civil registrar) in Croatia. The US and Croatia are both Hague Apostille Convention members; Croatia has been a member since 1991. (Embassy of Croatia, Washington DC, 2025; Croatian Ministry of Administration, 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.
- Croatia 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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Croatia
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
Croatia 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 Croatia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Croatia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Croatia
When the body arrives in Croatia
The Croatian funeral director takes custody at Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG), Split Airport (SPU), Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), or Zadar Airport (ZAD) cargo terminal, depending on the destination. Death registration in Croatia is handled by the maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office. Death certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1991; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. Croatia is an EU member since 2013. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Croatian Ministry of Administration, maticar, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Croatia, 2025.)
Consular support
The Croatian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Croatia. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Croatian translation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Croatia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Croatia 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 Croatia Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Croatia 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 Croatian funeral director takes custody at Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV), or Zadar (ZAD) cargo terminal. The maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office registers the death; certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. 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.
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