ご遠体をご帰国させる方法：ステップバイステップガイド

海外で亡くなられた大切な方を日本へお送りするためには、正しい順序で完了させる必要がある複雑な一連のステップが含まれます。この総合ガイドは送還プロセスの各段階をサポートし、何を期待すべきか、どのようにしてすべてが円滑に進むようにするかを理解するお手伝いをします。

国際送還には複数の機関間の精密な連携、衛生規制の厳格な遵守、およびタイミングへの細心の配慮が必要です。このプロセスを理解することは、ご家族が十分な情報に基づいた判断を行い、費用のかかる遅延を防ぐのに役立ちます。

ステップ１：初期通知と書類準備

死亡が発生した現地の当局への通知から始めましょう。これにより、現地法により必要な正式な死亡調査プロセスが開始されます。直ちに最寄りの日本領事館または総領事館に連絡してください。彼らは領事手続きのガイダンスを行い、送還スケジュールに影響する可能性のある現地要件を理解するお手伝いをします。

現地の死亡証明書の認証コピーを複数取得してください。プロセス全体を通じてさまざまな目的でこれらが必要になります。死亡証明書の処理には通常、ほとんどの国で４８～７２時間かかりますが、現地の手続きや死亡状況によって大きく異なる場合があります。

ステップ２：専門送還サービスの選択

出発地と目的地の各国で経験を持つ許可された国際送還サービスを選択してください。航空会社との関係、通関代理ライセンス、葬儼場とのパートナーシップなど、彼らの資格を確認してください。専門サービスは複数の機関と同時に連携し、遅延を防ぎ、すべての規制への遵守を確保します。

含まれるサービス、スケジュール、費用を細かく記載したサービス契約書を要求してください。信頼できるプロバイダーは２４時間年中無休の家族連絡サポートと、隠れた費用のない透明な価格を提供します。

Choose a licensed international repatriation service with experience in your specific origin and destination countries. Verify their credentials, including airline relationships, customs brokerage licenses, and mortuary partnerships. Professional services coordinate simultaneously with multiple agencies, preventing delays and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Request a detailed service agreement outlining all included services, timelines, and costs. Reputable providers offer 24/7 family liaison support and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Step 3: Body Preparation and Embalming

International transport requires professional embalming to meet health regulations and airline requirements. This process must be performed by licensed embalmers using techniques that comply with both origin and destination country standards. The embalming process typically takes 1-2 days once authorities release the body.

Obtain official embalming certificates and health department approvals required for transport. Some countries have specific requirements for embalming techniques or chemicals used, which professional services understand and accommodate.

Step 4: Consular Procedures and International Documentation

Work with the U.S. Embassy or consulate to obtain a Consular Mortuary Certificate, which serves as official American government recognition of the death abroad. This document is essential for airline transport and customs clearance when entering the United States.

Complete all required consular procedures, which may include notarization of documents, apostille services, or additional certifications depending on the country. Embassy staff can expedite these procedures when time is critical.

Step 5: Airline Coordination and Flight Booking

Airlines have strict requirements for human remains transport, including advance booking, special handling procedures, and specific documentation. Professional repatriation services have established relationships with carriers and understand their individual requirements and capacity limitations.

Book flights well in advance, as airlines have limited capacity for human remains transport. Consider potential delays due to weather, mechanical issues, or schedule changes, and plan funeral services accordingly.

Step 6: Customs Clearance and Border Control

Prepare all required customs documentation for both departure and arrival. This includes customs declarations, transit permits, and any special authorizations required for human remains transport. Each country has specific requirements that must be met exactly.

Professional customs brokers handle interactions with customs authorities and resolve any issues that arise during clearance. They understand country-specific requirements and can expedite processing when necessary.

Step 7: Receiving Coordination and Final Transport

Coordinate with the receiving funeral home at your destination to ensure they’re prepared for arrival. This includes confirming their license to receive human remains, scheduling pickup from the airport, and planning any additional services required.

Arrange ground transportation from the arrival airport to the funeral home. Professional services coordinate this handoff to ensure continuous care and proper handling throughout the entire journey.

Timeline Management and Expectations

Most international repatriations take 7-14 days from death to arrival, though this varies based on local requirements, destination country, and complexity of documentation. Time-sensitive factors include weekends, holidays, local investigation procedures, and airline schedules.

Build flexibility into your timeline for unexpected delays. Weather, mechanical issues, documentation problems, or regulatory changes can extend the process beyond initial estimates.

Final Preparation for Arrival

Confirm all arrangements at the destination, including funeral home coordination, cemetery or crematorium bookings, and any religious or cultural ceremonies planned. Ensure all parties understand the timeline and any special requirements for the services.

Professional repatriation services provide tracking and updates throughout the journey, giving families peace of mind and allowing them to inform other family members and friends about arrival timing and funeral arrangements.