Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Poland
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Repatriation from the United States to Poland: what to expect
US nationals in Poland include business professionals, military personnel, and a community with bilateral ties reflecting the large Polish-American diaspora. Poland and the United States maintain close bilateral relations as NATO allies. English-language US death certificates require a certified sworn translation into Polish and authentication by the Polish Embassy in Washington DC. Poland is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates are accepted for US-issued documents. (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Poland Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Poland
When the body arrives in Poland
The Polish funeral director takes custody at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) cargo terminal, or the relevant regional airport. Death registration is handled by the local Urzad Stanu Cywilnego (USC, Civil Status Office), which issues an akt zgonu (death certificate) in Polish. Poland is an EU member state and a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All foreign documents in languages other than Polish require a certified sworn translation by a sworn translator registered in Poland. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Polish Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Poland. Poland is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Poland
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
Poland 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 Poland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Poland funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Poland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Poland 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 Poland Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Poland 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 Polish funeral director takes custody at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) cargo terminal. The local Urzad Stanu Cywilnego (USC) registers the death and issues an akt zgonu in Polish. Poland is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign documents in other languages require a certified sworn 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.
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 Poland.
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