Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Slovakia
For families bringing someone home to Slovakia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Slovakia: what to expect
The United States has a Slovak-American community with roots stretching back to the late 19th-century migration to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. When a Slovak national or a person of Slovak heritage dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Slovak Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the local matrika (civil registry office). US death certificates require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; 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.
- Slovakia 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 Slovakia
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
Slovakia 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 Slovakia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Slovakia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Slovakia
When the body arrives in Slovakia
The Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal; some families also route via Vienna International Airport (VIE), approximately 60 kilometres from Bratislava. Death registration in Slovakia is handled by the local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad (municipal office) or mestsky urad (city office). Death certificates are issued in Slovak; foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Slovak Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Slovakia. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ministry of Interior Civil Registry Division (Matriky) in Slovakia for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Slovakia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Slovakia 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 Slovakia Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Slovakia 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 Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal, or via Vienna International Airport (VIE) for families travelling through Austria. The local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad or mestsky urad registers the death and issues a certificate in Slovak. Foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia 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.
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 Slovakia.
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