International repatriation from Florida follows a predictable sequence, even though the details change by country. Here is how it typically works, from the first call to the arrival.
Step 1: start with the destination
Everything depends on where the person is going. The destination country determines which documents are needed, whether its consulate must review them, how the remains must be prepared, and which airline routes are practical. The more precisely you can name the country and city, the faster a plan can be made.
Step 2: preparation by the funeral home
A licensed funeral home prepares the deceased for travel and places them in a container that meets the airline’s requirements. Preparation may include embalming, depending on the destination and the carrier. We discuss this in Embalming and Shipping.
Step 3: documents
While the funeral home prepares the person, the supporting documents are assembled. These commonly include a death certificate and a burial-transit permit. For many destinations they also include consular paperwork and translations. Our guide to documents typically needed explains each one, and consular documents covers the part handled by the destination country’s consulate.
Step 4: airline arrangements
Remains travel as air cargo on routes where the airline accepts them. Schedules, cargo cut-off times and connections all affect timing, which is why choosing a workable route early matters. See How Airlines Handle Human Remains as Cargo.
Step 5: arrival
A receiving funeral home or family member meets the shipment at the destination airport and completes local procedures, such as customs and health clearances, before arranging the funeral. Staying in contact with them in advance prevents delays. For more on that role, read Working With the Receiving Funeral Home.
A note on timing and requirements
Requirements vary by destination and circumstance and can change. Timing depends on documents, consulate processing and flight schedules, and nobody can honestly promise a fixed number of days. We confirm what applies to each case rather than assuming it.
The timeline at a glance
| Stage | What happens | What can slow it down |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Destination and funeral homes identified; requirements confirmed. | Unclear destination; no receiving funeral home yet. |
| Documents | Death certificate, permit and consular papers prepared. | Errors, missing identification, consulate backlog. |
| Preparation | Funeral home prepares remains and container. | Special container or preparation requirements. |
| Booking | Flight and cargo space confirmed. | Limited flights or capacity on the route. |
| Flight | Remains travel as air cargo. | Connections, weather, schedule changes. |
| Arrival | Receiving funeral home clears and receives the shipment. | Missing paperwork; customs or health clearance steps. |
Questions to settle in the first conversation
- Which country and which city is the final destination?
- Is the person to be buried, entombed or cremated there?
- Who is the receiving funeral home or family contact?
- What dates are most important to the family?
- Are there religious or cultural requirements that affect timing?
What families sometimes overlook
People focus on the flight, but the flight is the easy part. The steps that decide the timeline are usually earlier: getting the death certificate right, obtaining consular authorization and making sure the receiving funeral home has the paperwork it needs. Another thing families overlook is the distance between the arrival airport and the final burial place, which can add time at the destination.
How we handle a typical case
When a family calls, we begin by listening: who has died, where they are now and where they need to go. We then explain, in plain language, the main steps for that destination and what we need from the family. As soon as we know the destination and the funeral home, we begin working on the documents, the consular step and the airline in parallel. Each time something is completed, we update the family and the funeral homes. If a requirement turns out to be different from what we expected, we say so and adjust the plan.
Keeping the receiving side involved
The receiving funeral home or family contact in the destination country should be part of the conversation from the start. They know the local procedures and can tell us what they will need on arrival. A short call between the coordinator and the receiving funeral home before the flight is booked often prevents problems that would otherwise appear only when the shipment lands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does international repatriation take?
It depends on the destination, the documents and the flights. No provider can honestly promise a fixed number of days, but we can give you a realistic expectation once we know your route.
Do you ship to countries other than the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe?
Yes. We ship worldwide, and these three regions are where we specialize.
Can the family travel on the same flight?
Family members may travel on their own tickets, but remains travel as cargo and the schedules are not always the same. We can help you plan so that the family and the shipment arrive in a sensible order.
What if the consulate asks for something new?
Requirements change. We follow up with the consulate and tell you what is requested, so that you can provide it quickly.
What does the family pay for?
Typically funeral home services, document and consular fees, translation if needed and the airline charges, plus coordination. A good quote lists these separately.
What does the family need to do while the process is under way?
Respond quickly to requests, check documents for errors, and stay in touch with the receiving funeral home.
What if the consulate rejects a document?
We find out the reason, correct the document and resubmit. That may add time.
Keep reading
- What Does Repatriation of Human Remains Mean?
- Documents Typically Needed to Ship Human Remains
- Consular Documents for International Repatriation: What to Expect
- How Airlines Handle Human Remains as Cargo
Sources
Need help?
Funeral Shipping coordinates domestic and international funeral shipping, including the supporting documents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about our international repatriation services, request a quote, or call 786-565-9525.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by destination, carrier and circumstances and can change. Always confirm current rules with the relevant authority, and note that no timing or outcome is guaranteed.