Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Cyprus
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Cyprus: what to expect
The Cypriot-American community in the United States has strong ties to the island, particularly around Washington DC and New York. When a person with Cypriot connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Cyprus, the death is registered with the state civil records office. US death certificates require certified Greek translation for use in Cyprus. The Embassy of Cyprus in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). The US and Cyprus are both Hague Apostille Convention members; Cyprus has been a member since 1983. (Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC, 2025; Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 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.
- Cyprus 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 Cyprus
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
Cyprus 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 Cyprus
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Cyprus funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Cyprus
When the body arrives in Cyprus
The Cypriot funeral director takes custody at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO) cargo terminal. In the government-controlled areas, death registration is handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus, with local registration at the municipal council (demos). Death certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1983; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The northern part of Cyprus has been under Turkish military control since 1974 and is not recognised by most countries; the FCDO advises that the Republic of Cyprus does not control these areas. Deaths in the Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri or Dhekelia (British territory) require contact with the Sovereign Base Area Administration. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Cyprus, 2025.)
Consular support
The Cyprus High Commission or Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Cyprus. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Families with a death in the northern areas should contact the FCDO for current guidance on consular access.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Cyprus
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Cyprus 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 Cyprus Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Cyprus 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 funeral director takes custody at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) cargo terminal. In government-controlled areas, the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus handles death registration, with local registration at the municipal council (demos); certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983; apostille certificates are accepted. Deaths in northern Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas require separate guidance from the FCDO. All foreign documents require certified Greek 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
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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