Body repatriation
Body repatriation within Europe
When someone dies in another European country, repatriation means bringing them home in a coffin. The coffin usually travels as air freight on a scheduled flight, or by road on shorter routes. Most repatriations take one to two weeks. The exact time depends on the countries involved and on how quickly the local authorities release the documents. Moss & Morrow takes care of every step: the paperwork, the local funeral director, the transport and the handover to a funeral home at home.
What moving a coffin across a border requires
European countries follow broadly the same rules when a deceased person is moved from one country to another. The rules are based on the Council of Europe Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses of 1973 (the Strasbourg Agreement), and in some countries on the older Berlin Arrangement of 1937. In practice it comes down to two things: a specially prepared coffin and a set of official documents from the country of death.
The coffin
For international transport the deceased rests in a hermetically sealed, zinc-lined coffin, which is closed and certified in the country of death. The law requires this whenever a coffin crosses a border. If your family would like an ordinary coffin for the funeral at home, the zinc lining can be removed beforehand.
The documents usually needed
- Death certificate from the country of death
- Medical certificate of the cause of death, confirming there is no obstacle to transport
- Laissez-passer for a corpse (mortuary passport), issued under the Strasbourg Agreement by the authorities of the country of departure
- Certificate confirming that the coffin has been sealed
- Embalming or thanatopraxy certificate, if the destination country requires one
- The deceased’s passport or identity document
The exact list depends on the two countries. Some ask for consular legalisation or certified translations. We find out exactly what your situation needs and get every document for you.
How the coffin travels
Within Europe the coffin usually travels as cargo on a scheduled passenger flight, and family members can often book seats on the same flight. On shorter routes, or when road transport is simpler than flying, a specialised hearse can take the coffin across the border. That is often the calmer choice, and it usually costs less. We will tell you which route we recommend and why.
What affects the cost
- The route, and whether the coffin goes by air freight or by road
- Services in the country of death: care of the deceased, embalming if required, and the zinc-lined coffin
- Fees for documents, legalisation and translations
- How soon the transport has to happen
- Whether travel insurance covers repatriation (very often it does)
If the deceased had travel insurance, contact the insurer’s 24-hour emergency service as early as you can. Repatriation costs are commonly covered, and we can deal with the insurer or assistance company directly. Whatever the situation, you get a written quote from us before anything is agreed.
Talk to us when you’re ready
One call or message is enough to get things started. We’ll explain honestly what happens next and what it requires, and tell you what it is likely to cost.
Mon–Fri 10–17 (EET) · we usually respond outside these hours too