Skip to content

Required Documents for International Body Shipping

Required Documents for International Body Shipping

Section titled “Required Documents for International Body Shipping”

International repatriation requires extensive documentation to comply with both origin and destination country regulations. This comprehensive guide covers all essential documents needed for successful international funeral shipping.

Universal Requirements

Section titled “Universal Requirements”

Valid Passport

Deceased person’s passport - must be valid or expired within last 5 years. Original required for customs clearance.

Certified Death Certificate

Apostilled death certificate from country of death. Must include official government seal and sworn translation if needed.

Embalming Certificate

Licensed embalmer certification meeting international standards. Required by most countries for infectious disease prevention.

Consular Mortuary Certificate

Embassy-issued certificate authorizing repatriation. Required by most countries for their citizens’ remains.

Country-Specific Documentation

Section titled “Country-Specific Documentation”

Required Documents:

  • EU death certificate with apostille
  • Consular mortuary certificate from US embassy
  • Embalming certificate (English translation)
  • Deceased’s US passport or citizenship proof
  • Airlines cargo manifest and airway bill

Processing Time: 3-7 business days Special Requirements: Schengen area coordination may be needed

Documentation Process Flow

Section titled “Documentation Process Flow”

Step 1: Local Death Registration

Section titled “Step 1: Local Death Registration”
  1. Register death with local authorities
  2. Obtain death certificate from civil registry
  3. Get apostille from foreign ministry
  4. Arrange translations if required

Step 2: Consular Coordination

Section titled “Step 2: Consular Coordination”
  1. Contact US embassy/consulate
  2. Submit repatriation application
  3. Provide required documentation
  4. Receive consular mortuary certificate

Step 3: Shipping Preparation

Section titled “Step 3: Shipping Preparation”
  1. Coordinate with funeral home
  2. Arrange embalming to international standards
  3. Prepare shipping container
  4. Complete airline documentation

Document Translation Requirements

Section titled “Document Translation Requirements”

Required Translations

Section titled “Required Translations”
  • Death certificates (certified translation)
  • Medical records (if cause investigation)
  • Legal documents (notarized translation)
  • Religious/cultural certificates

Acceptable Translators

Section titled “Acceptable Translators”
  • Embassy-approved translators
  • American Translators Association members
  • Court-certified translators
  • Consular translation services

Common Complications

Section titled “Common Complications”

Missing Apostille:

  • Most frequent delay (2-5 days)
  • Must be obtained from country of death
  • Cannot be expedited in most countries

Passport Issues:

  • Expired passport (acceptable if within 5 years)
  • Lost/stolen passport requires embassy replacement
  • Dual citizenship complications

Consular Delays:

  • Embassy processing varies by country
  • Holiday schedules affect timing
  • Crisis situations may expedite or delay

Emergency Documentation

Section titled “Emergency Documentation”

Crisis Situations

Natural disasters, war zones, or mass casualties may require special documentation procedures. Contact our crisis response team immediately.

Weekend/Holiday Deaths

Embassy closures during weekends and holidays can delay processing by 2-5 days. Emergency services may be available for additional fees.

Professional Support

Section titled “Professional Support”

Documentation Assistance Available:

  • 24/7 Emergency: +1 (617) 306-2716
  • Document Specialists: docs@memorial.industries
  • Embassy Coordination: We handle all consular communications
  • Translation Services: Certified translators in 15+ languages

This guide covers general requirements. Specific country requirements may vary and change frequently. Our specialists provide current, country-specific guidance for each case.