Repatriation of a Deceased Body
Repatriation of a Deceased Body from Abroad to England or Wales
If a death occurs abroad, the death should be registered according to the local regulations of that country and a Death Certificate should be obtained. To bring a body back to England or Wales you will need either the Death Certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so.
To arrange a funeral in England or Wales you will need
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An authenticated translation of a Death Certificate showing the cause of death and
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A Certificate of No Liability to Register. This certificate must be obtained from the Registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased. An appointment will be required.
As the arrangements may be of a complex nature we would advise you to contact us for further advice and assistance.
Repatriation of a Deceased Body Abroad
Some countries require a certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial. The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the Borough for some three months preceding the death.
The formality of obtaining the certificate is usually handled by the undertaker making the arrangements on behalf of the relatives. However anyone can apply and in the first instance they should contact the hospital pathologist or the deceased's General Practitioner (GP). The funeral director will also help with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country to which the deceased is going. Some of these requirements may also apply for burial in another part of the United Kingdom.