Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to the United Kingdom
For families bringing someone home to the United Kingdom. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the USA to the UK: what to expect
The USA is a large and complex jurisdiction for repatriation because death registration is state-based. Each of the 50 states has its own medical examiner or coroner, its own death certificate format, and its own procedures. Despite this, the USA is generally an efficient repatriation origin once documentation is in place.
- Key documents: US death certificate (state-issued, certified copy) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days depending on the state. New York and California take longer.
- British Embassy in Washington DC and consulates across the US register the death and advise.
- A post-mortem may be ordered by the state medical examiner or county coroner for unexpected deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: United States to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death certified by physician or medical examiner. State death certificate issued.
State-specific. NY and CA take longer. Medical examiner investigation adds time.
Local funeral director and state civil registration office
British Embassy or Consulate in relevant US city notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy/Consulate registers the death with UK authorities.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
US funeral industry is professional and internationally experienced.
Licensed local funeral director
Transit permit, health certificate, and all export documentation obtained
Allow 5-14 days depending on state.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to UK from nearest major hub: JFK, LAX, ORD, MIA, BOS, or other
Once all documentation complete. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines serve routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in the USA
Call 911 for emergency services. Death must be certified by a licensed physician or medical examiner. Each US state issues its own death certificate. An embalming certificate is required for international repatriation. The funeral home handles the transit permit application.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the USA to the UK takes 7-10 days. Most cases take 10-21 days. Complex cases involving a county coroner investigation can take 3-8 weeks.
Yes. Each US state has its own medical examiner or coroner, its own death certificate format, and its own processing timelines. New York City and Los Angeles County have high caseloads and longer processing times. Smaller states are generally faster.
The core documents are: US death certificate (state-issued, certified copy), Embalming certificate, Transit permit for human remains, and Passport of the deceased.
The British Embassy in Washington DC and consulates across the US can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in the USA and bringing ashes home to the UK is simpler and less costly. You will need the state death certificate and cremation certificate. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight to the UK.
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Washington DC and consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco can register the death and advise.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 the United Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in the USA · United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions