Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Latvia
For families bringing someone home to Latvia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Latvia: what to expect
The United States has a significant Latvian diaspora community with roots in the Second World War refugee settlement, concentrated in New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Latvian-American cultural organisations remain active across the country. When a Latvian national or a person of Latvian heritage dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The Latvian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). US death certificates require certified Latvian translation. Latvia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1996; 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.
- Latvia 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 Latvia
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
Latvia 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 Latvia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Latvia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Latvia
When the body arrives in Latvia
The Latvian funeral director takes custody at Riga International Airport (RIX) cargo terminal. Death registration in Latvia is handled by the local dzimtsarakstu nodala (civil registry department), administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) under the Ministry of the Interior. Death certificates are issued in Latvian; foreign documents require certified Latvian translation. Latvia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1996; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Latvia is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Latvian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Latvia. Latvia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1996. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Latvia for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Latvia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Latvia 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 Latvia Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Latvia 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 Latvian funeral director takes custody at Riga International Airport (RIX) cargo terminal. The local dzimtsarakstu nodala (civil registry department), administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), registers the death and issues a death certificate in Latvian. Foreign documents require certified Latvian translation. Latvia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1996; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Latvia 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.
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 Latvia.
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