Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Hungary
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Hungary: what to expect
The Hungarian-American community has deep roots dating from nineteenth-century migration and the 1956 refugee exodus. When a person with Hungarian connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Hungary, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. US death certificates require certified Hungarian translation for use in Hungary. The Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for the anyakoenyvi hivatal (civil registry office) in Hungary. The US and Hungary are both Hague Apostille Convention members; Hungary has been a member since 1973. (Embassy of Hungary, Washington DC, 2025; Hungarian civil registration authority, 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.
- Hungary Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Hungary
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
Hungary 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 Hungary
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Hungary funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Hungary
When the body arrives in Hungary
The Hungarian funeral director takes custody at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) cargo terminal. Death registration in Hungary is handled by the anyakoenyvi hivatal (civil registry office) of the local district government. Death certificates are issued in Hungarian. Hungary has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1973; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Hungarian translation. Hungary is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Hungarian civil registration authority, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Hungary, 2025.)
Consular support
The Hungarian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Hungary. Hungary has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1973. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Hungarian translation before use in Hungary.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Hungary
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Hungary 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 Hungary Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Hungary 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 Hungarian funeral director takes custody at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) cargo terminal. The anyakoenyvi hivatal (civil registry office) of the local district government registers the death; certificates are issued in Hungarian. Hungary has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1973; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Hungarian translation. Hungary is an EU member. 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, 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