Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Malta
For families bringing someone home to Malta. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Malta: what to expect
The Maltese-American community has roots in earlier twentieth-century migration from Malta to the United States. When a person with Maltese connections dies in the US and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Malta, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. US death certificates in English require no translation for use in Malta. The Embassy of Malta in Washington DC can advise on documentation authentication for the Public Registry (Identity Malta). The US and Malta are both Hague Apostille Convention members; Malta has been a member since 1968. (Embassy of Malta, Washington DC, 2025; Identity Malta Public Registry, 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.
- Malta 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 Malta
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
Malta 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 Malta
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Malta funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Malta
When the body arrives in Malta
The Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) at Luqa cargo terminal. Death registration in Malta is handled by the Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency. Death certificates are issued in Maltese and English, both official languages. Malta has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is widely used in administration. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Malta High Commission or Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Malta. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Malta
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Malta 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 Malta Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Malta 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 Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) Luqa cargo terminal. The Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency, registers the death and issues certificates in Maltese and English. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is used throughout the administration process. 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 Malta.
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