Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Ukraine
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Ukraine: what to expect
US nationals in Ukraine include individuals with family ties, journalists, and aid workers. The US Embassy in Kyiv relocated temporarily in February 2022 but has since resumed limited operations; contact the US State Department on +1 888 407 4747. Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022; repatriation requires routing through Poland or Romania. English-language US death certificates require certified Ukrainian translation and authentication by the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington DC. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003. (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.
- Ukraine 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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Ukraine
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
Ukraine 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 Ukraine
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Ukraine funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ukraine
When the body arrives in Ukraine
Death registration in Ukraine is handled by the State Registry of Acts of Civil Status (DRACS) under the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Death certificates are issued in Ukrainian. Ukraine has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 2003; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022 due to the ongoing armed conflict. Repatriation into Ukraine requires routing through neighbouring countries, primarily Poland via Warsaw (WAW) or Romania. All foreign documents require certified Ukrainian translation. A specialist with current operational contacts is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Ukraine, 2025; Ukrainian Ministry of Justice, 2025.)
Consular support
Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on current documentation requirements for repatriation to Ukraine. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Access constraints due to the ongoing armed conflict may significantly affect timelines.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Ukraine
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Ukraine takes 4-12 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 4 weeks. Complex cases can take 6 months or longer 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 Ukraine Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ukraine 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.
Death registration in Ukraine is handled by the State Registry of Acts of Civil Status (DRACS); certificates are issued in Ukrainian. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003; apostille certificates are accepted. Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022; access must be arranged via Poland or Romania. All foreign documents require certified Ukrainian translation. Access constraints due to the ongoing armed conflict mean timelines are unpredictable. A specialist with current operational contacts is required. 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
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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