If someone from overseas has died in this country, their family may wish the deceased’s funeral to take place in their home country.
You will need to notify the relevant UK authorities and observe the regulations of the country of destination. You may also need to check with the country’s embassy or consulate before arranging your mother’s funeral, to identify if there are any special pieces of paperwork that you will need, as regulations vary from country to country.
Funeral directors are experienced in helping families to arrange burials overseas and can help you to ensure that all the requirements are fully met.
When a person has died it is a legal requirement to register their death within 5 days. Any further arrangements for a funeral cannot be made until the death has been registered. When you register your mother’s death you will need to obtain two or more copies of her death certificate. This certificate is free of charge but you will need to pay a small fee for a certified copy. You will need to give this copy to the funeral director, so that they can arrange a special certificate called an ‘Out of England Certificate’, which will allow them to arrange for your mother’s body to be transported abroad.
The funeral director will also be able to help you to arrange flights for transporting her coffins or casket and can help you to obtain permission from the coroner to release your mother’s body. This needs to be arranged at least four days before the journey is due to take place.
Some countries will also require a ‘cadaver certificate’ before they can allow a body into the county for burial. The aim of this certificate is to confirm that your mother did not have an infectious disease when she died, or during the three months before she passed away. The funeral director may arrange this on your behalf; however anyone can apply for this certificate. The certificate can be obtained from the Environmental Health and Consumer Division of the council in the area where the person died.
When transporting a body abroad, special coffins need to be used. Almost always the body has to be embalmed and sealed in a metal lined coffin. The funeral director will be able to advise you further about these issues.
The majority of funeral directors who are Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors will have experience in organising funerals to countries all over the world. You can find out more about their services via their website.