Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to the Dominican Republic
For families bringing someone home to the Dominican Republic. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to the Dominican Republic: what to expect
The United States has the largest Dominican diaspora community outside the Dominican Republic itself, concentrated in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. This is one of the highest-volume repatriation corridors in the Americas. When a Dominican national dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Junta Central Electoral (JCE). US death certificates require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009; US-issued apostille certificates are accepted.
- 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.
- the Dominican Republic Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to the Dominican 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
the Dominican 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 Dominican Republic
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Dominican Republic 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to the Dominican Republic
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to the Dominican Republic takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-14 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 the Dominican Republic Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Dominican 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 Dominican funeral director takes custody at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) or Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) cargo terminal. The Junta Central Electoral (JCE) is the civil registry authority; it registers the death and issues the death certificate in Spanish. Foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009; 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 the Dominican Republic
When the body arrives in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican funeral director takes custody at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) cargo terminal. Death registration in the Dominican Republic is handled by the Junta Central Electoral (JCE), the civil registry authority. Death certificates are issued in Spanish; foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Dominican Republic Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Dominican 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