The death of a loved one abroad is a tragic event that many families in the United States may sadly face.
Losing someone dear is always extremely difficult, even when you are aware that the end may be near. However, when this happens far away, in another country, you may feel lost and overwhelmed.
What is the process when a death occurs abroad? What should you do if there is no one to help you? How do you bring your loved one’s body home? These are just some of the questions you are likely to ask yourself.
Whether the death occurred while on vacation or while living abroad, arranging the funeral becomes far more complex. That’s why Drnda International explains the process for when the death of a loved one takes place outside the United States.
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If you decide to take responsibility for the transportation yourself, you risk delays in the process and possibly extra costs. This is certainly something you will want to avoid, especially if the funeral has already been planned.
Reporting the Death of a Loved One Abroad
You must register the death in the country where it occurred. If the death happened on an airplane or a ship, you should know that it must be registered in the country where the vessel is registered.
To register the death, a doctor must confirm the death and issue a death certificate. Based on this, you will receive an official death certificate, issued in an international format.
The death certificate is just one of the documents required to obtain a “laissez-passer” for the deceased – an official permit for the international transportation of the body. Other required documents include the deceased’s valid passport, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of the allocated burial plot, health inspector approval regarding the safety of the coffin, and the name of the funeral company responsible for the transport and burial arrangements.
Repatriation of the Deceased from Abroad
Transporting the deceased from abroad requires careful organization to return the body to or from the United States for burial or cremation. This depends greatly on the distance and the regulations of the countries that must be crossed.
Some countries require the body to be embalmed before transportation, while others have specific rules regarding funeral provisions. For example, in some countries, the coffin in which the body is placed must be sealed with welding, while others allow the use of heavy-duty tape or silicone.
Vehicles used for repatriation must comply with industry standards and be fully certified – otherwise, they cannot cross international borders.
Drnda International operates a modern fleet, ensuring fast and safe transport to and from the United States under all road conditions.
Our experienced team is familiar with all relevant international laws and regulations, so you do not need to worry about the funeral documentation. In addition, our wide range of funeral provisions allows you to say farewell to your loved one with dignity and respect.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.