Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Iceland
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Iceland: what to expect
The United States and Iceland have a longstanding bilateral relationship; Iceland hosted a US military presence at Keflavik until 2006. The Icelandic-American community and business ties remain active. When a person with Icelandic connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Iceland, the death is registered with the state civil records office. US death certificates require certified Icelandic translation for use in Iceland. The Embassy of Iceland in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga). The US and Iceland are both Hague Apostille Convention members; Iceland has been a member since 1997. (Embassy of Iceland, Washington DC, 2025; Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga), 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.
- Iceland Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Iceland
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
Iceland 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 Iceland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iceland 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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Iceland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Iceland 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 Iceland Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iceland 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 Icelandic funeral director takes custody at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) cargo terminal. Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga) registers the death; certificates are issued in Icelandic. Iceland has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1997; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Icelandic 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.
In Iceland
When the body arrives in Iceland
The Icelandic funeral director takes custody at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) cargo terminal. Death registration in Iceland is handled by Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga), the national registry. Death certificates are issued in Icelandic. Iceland has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1997; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Iceland is an EEA and Schengen member. All foreign documents require certified Icelandic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga), 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Iceland, 2025.)
Consular support
The Icelandic Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iceland. Iceland has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1997. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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