Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to the United States
For families bringing someone home to the United States. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to the United States: what to expect
Vietnamese-American communities across California, Texas, and Virginia account for substantial repatriation volume on this corridor. Vietnamese documentation requires certified English translation and official authentication.
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- United States Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Vietnam
Call 113 for police or 115 for ambulance. A licensed physician must certify the death. Unexpected deaths and road accidents trigger police notification. Death registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). The giay chung tu is issued in Vietnamese only.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +1 (202) 501-4444).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local civil registry. Giay chung tu issued.
Certificate in Vietnamese only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
United States Embassy in Hanoi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Choose correct consulate based on location of death.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Available in Hanoi and HCMC.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation completed
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Hanoi can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to the United States takes 10-14 days. Most cases take 14-21 days. Road accident deaths, where police must complete their investigation, can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Giay chung tu (Vietnamese death certificate) with certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The United States Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing the ashes home to the United States is an option. You will need the giay chung tu, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Vietnam, 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 States.
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 Vietnam (gov.uk) · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions