Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Peru
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Peru: what to expect
US nationals in Peru include tourists, business professionals, and a community with bilateral ties reflecting significant US investment in the Peruvian mining, energy, and technology sectors. English-language US death certificates require certified Spanish translation and authentication by the Peruvian Embassy in Washington DC. Peru is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates are accepted for US-issued documents. (Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MRE, 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.
- Peru Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Peru
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
Peru 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 Peru
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Peru 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 Peru
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Peru 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 Peru Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Peru 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 Peruvian funeral director takes custody at Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima (LIM) cargo terminal. RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificacion y Estado Civil) registers the death. Peru is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All other documents require certified Spanish translation and full consular authentication. 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 Peru
When the body arrives in Peru
The Peruvian funeral director takes custody at Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima (LIM) cargo terminal or the relevant regional airport. Death registration is handled by RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificacion y Estado Civil), Peru's national civil registry. Peru is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other foreign documents require certified Spanish translation and full consular authentication through the Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MRE, 2025.)
Consular support
Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Peru. Peru is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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