Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to the Czech Republic
For families bringing someone home to the Czech Republic. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to the Czech Republic: what to expect
The Czech-American community has roots in nineteenth-century migration and the post-1968 Czech diaspora. When a person with Czech connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the Czech Republic, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. US death certificates require certified Czech translation for use in the Czech Republic. The Czech Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for the matrika (civil registry office). The US and Czech Republic are both Hague Apostille Convention members; the Czech Republic has been a member since 1998. (Czech Embassy, Washington DC, 2025; Czech civil registration (matrika), 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.
- Czech Republic 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.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to the Czech Republic
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
Czech Republic 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 the Czech Republic
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Czech Republic funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Czech Republic
When the body arrives in the Czech Republic
The Czech funeral director takes custody at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) cargo terminal. Death registration in the Czech Republic is handled by the matrika (civil registry office) at the local authority. Death certificates are issued in Czech. The Czech Republic has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1999; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Czech translation. The Czech Republic is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Czech Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1998. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Czech translation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to the Czech Republic
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to the Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Czech Republic 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 Czech funeral director takes custody at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) cargo terminal. The matrika (civil registry office) at the local authority registers the death; certificates are issued in Czech. The Czech Republic has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1998; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Czech 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.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
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 the Czech Republic.
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