Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Vietnam
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Repatriation from the United States to Vietnam: what to expect
US nationals in Vietnam include business professionals, students, tourists, and a growing expat community, reflecting Vietnam-US diplomatic normalisation since 1995. English-language US death certificates require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation for Vietnamese authorities. The Vietnamese Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation through the Vietnamese Embassy is required. (Vietnamese 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.
- Vietnam Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Vietnam
When the body arrives in Vietnam
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required for all incoming remains. All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified Vietnamese translation and legalised through the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation is required for all documents. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. (Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Vietnam. Legalisation of origin country documents must go through the Vietnamese Embassy. 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 Vietnam
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
Vietnam 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 Vietnam
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Vietnam 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 Vietnam
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Vietnam 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 Vietnam Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Vietnam 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 Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required. All foreign documents require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation through the Vietnamese Embassy in the origin country. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular legalisation is required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the People's Committee civil status office.
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 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 Vietnam.
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