Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Russia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Russia: what to expect
US nationals in Russia include business professionals, dual nationals, and individuals with family ties. The US Embassy in Moscow operates with significantly reduced staffing but remains open. Families should contact the US Embassy in Moscow and the US State Department on +1 888 407 4747 immediately after a death. English-language US death certificates require certified Russian translation and authentication by the Russian Embassy in Washington DC. Russia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1992. Families should verify current airline routes before proceeding. (US State Department, 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.
- Russia Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Russia
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
Russia 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 Russia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Russia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Russia
When the body arrives in Russia
The Russian funeral director takes custody at Sheremetyevo International Airport Moscow (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport Moscow (DME), or Vnukovo International Airport Moscow (VKO) cargo terminal, depending on the airline routing. For other regions, the relevant regional airport cargo terminal handles arrivals. Death registration is handled by the local ZAGS office (Zapis Aktov Grazhdanskogo Sostoyaniya, the civil registration office). Death certificates are issued in Russian. Russia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1992; apostille certificates from member states are accepted for relevant documents. All foreign documents require certified Russian translation. Families should verify current airline routes given aviation disruption since February 2022. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Russia, 2025; Russian Ministry of Justice, 2025.)
Consular support
Russian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Russia. Russia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1992. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Families should verify current diplomatic arrangements before proceeding.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Russia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Russia 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 Russia Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Russia 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 Russian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal of the relevant airport: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), or Vnukovo (VKO) in Moscow, or the relevant regional airport. The local ZAGS office (civil registration office) registers the death; certificates are issued in Russian. Russia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1992; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Russian translation. Families should verify current airline routes given aviation disruption since February 2022. 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, 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