Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Switzerland
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Repatriation from the United States to Switzerland: what to expect
Switzerland hosts the European headquarters or regional offices of many major US corporations in Zurich and Geneva, and Geneva houses the United Nations European headquarters and several other international organisations with American personnel. The US Embassy in Bern is fully operational. When a person with Swiss family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The Swiss Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Zivilstandsamt. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Switzerland joined in 1972. (FCDO Travel Advice: Switzerland, 2025; Federal Civil Registry Office, Switzerland, 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.
- Switzerland Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss funeral director takes custody at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA) cargo terminal, or at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse (BSL/MLH) depending on the final destination. Death registration in Switzerland is handled by the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) in the canton where the death is registered. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The Todesurkunde (death certificate) is issued in the language of the relevant canton. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the receiving canton where not already in the appropriate language. The cantonal public prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Zivilstandsamt, Federal Civil Registry Office, Switzerland, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Switzerland, 2025.)
Consular support
The Swiss Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Zivilstandsamt in the receiving canton for civil registration queries.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Switzerland
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
Switzerland 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 Switzerland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland 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 Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland 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 Swiss funeral director takes custody at Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), or Basel (BSL) cargo terminal. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) in the receiving canton registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the relevant canton (German, French, or Italian). The cantonal Staatsanwaltschaft handles violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1972. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Zivilstandsamt.
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
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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