Funeral Shipping
Shipping Human Remains to Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health protocol lists the documents for a body entering the country and the inspections done at the border. Here is what it says, and how we help.
The short version
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026.
- Nicaragua’s health protocol says that for deceased persons entering the country, the file includes a death certificate that is apostilled or legalized, an embalming certificate, a transit permit, and, for Nicaraguan nationals, registration at the consulate.
- It says the Ministry of Health and Customs inspect bodies and human remains when they enter or leave, and that Customs informs the Foreign Ministry (for foreigners) and the National Police.
- If the person was cremated, the protocol lists a certificate of cremation issued by the funeral company.
- The protocol is mainly written for foreigners who die in Nicaragua and for the handling of deceased persons there, so we confirm exactly how its entry list applies to a shipment from Florida.
Source: Nicaragua Ministry of Health: Protocol for foreign and national deceased (published in La Gaceta No. 183, September 26, 2019) (section XII, traslado internacional). The protocol was published in 2019 and may have been updated since. Fees may not be the same today.
How shipping human remains to Nicaragua works
- Choose a licensed funeral home in FloridaIt embalms, prepares the certificates and obtains the transit permit.
- Prepare the documentsA death certificate that is apostilled or legalized, an embalming certificate stating the method and that the coffin contains only the body, and a transit permit. See the table below.
- Register the death at the consulate (Nicaraguan nationals)The protocol lists consulate registration for nationals.
- Arrange the receiving side in NicaraguaA funeral home must receive the remains at arrival, and the Foreign Ministry or consulate may be involved if documents are not in order.
- Book the flight and shipWe confirm the carrier, cargo cut-off and arrival airport.
- Inspection at arrivalThe Ministry of Health and Customs inspect the body or remains at the border and review the documents.
Documents the government lists
This table follows the entry list in the protocol, which applies to deceased persons entering the country for burial or in transit.
| Document or item | Who usually provides it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate, apostilled or legalized | Florida funeral home and the vital records office; apostille through Florida authorities | See our Dominican Republic guide for how Florida apostilles work. |
| Embalming certificate stating the method and that the coffin contains only the body, packing and clothing | Embalmer or funeral home | See Embalming and Shipping. |
| Transit permit with the name, surname and age of the deceased, issued by the competent authority where the death occurred | Florida funeral director | See What Is a Burial-Transit Permit?. |
| Nicaraguan nationals: registration at the consulate | Family or funeral home | Listed in the protocol. |
| Cargo manifest stating the cargo is a deceased person | Airline or carrier | The protocol says it is not required when the transfer is not made in a cargo vehicle. |
| If cremated: certificate of cremation issued by the funeral company | Funeral home or crematory | Listed in the protocol. |
The protocol also says that if documents presented by a deceased foreigner at the border are not in order, the Foreign Ministry and the National Police are notified so the Foreign Ministry can give assistance to the relevant embassy or consulate.
Timing and cost factors
We do not publish a fixed price or number of days for Nicaragua. The main variables are:
- The Florida apostille and, for nationals, consulate registration.
- Inspections by the Ministry of Health and Customs at arrival.
- Flight availability, cargo cut-off and the arrival airport, and the trip onward inside the country.
- Funeral home charges at both ends, consular and document fees, translation and airline cargo charges, which may not be the same from case to case.
Read What Affects the Cost of Funeral Shipping, and How to Keep It Affordable and How Long Does Funeral Shipping Take?. For the wider region see Repatriation to Europe.
How we help families with Nicaragua repatriation
We coordinate the shipping side: sequencing the documents, translations and apostilles, coordinating with the Florida funeral home and the receiving side in Nicaragua, booking transport once the consulate confirms the file, and keeping you updated. We do not have an office in Nicaragua, and the funeral and burial there are carried out by the receiving funeral home.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship to Nicaragua?
Yes, we coordinate repatriation to Nicaragua. We confirm the current requirements and the route on every case.
Which documents does Nicaragua list for entry?
The health protocol lists an apostilled or legalized death certificate, an embalming certificate, a transit permit, consulate registration for nationals, a cargo manifest where applicable, and a cremation certificate if cremated.
Who inspects the remains at arrival?
The protocol says the Ministry of Health and Customs inspect bodies and human remains when they enter or leave the country.
Is the protocol current?
It was published in La Gaceta in September 2019 and posted by the Ministry of Health in 2022. We confirm whether anything has changed.
What about ashes?
The protocol lists a cremation certificate issued by the funeral company. See Cremation and Shipping.
How long does it take?
The protocol gives no processing time, so we cannot promise a fixed date.
Arrange repatriation to Nicaragua
Tell us where your loved one is and where in Nicaragua the funeral will be held. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.