It is not an easy subject, but families who talk about it in advance spare their loved ones many difficult decisions later. If someone in your family wishes to be buried in their country of origin, making that known clearly is one of the kindest things they can do.
Key takeaways
- Write down where you wish to rest and tell at least one trusted person.
- Keep identification, policies and contacts together in a known place.
- Check whether a prepaid plan or insurance covers transport to another state or country.
Why it helps
When a death occurs, the family has little time and a great deal of emotion. If the person’s wishes are known, the family can focus on grieving, rather than debating what the person would have wanted. It also avoids disagreement among relatives and lets the family start the shipping process earlier.
What to put in writing
- Where the person wishes to be buried or where ashes should be placed.
- Whether they prefer burial or cremation.
- The name and contact details of a funeral home or relative at the destination.
- Any religious or cultural requirements.
- Who in the family should make the arrangements.
Documents to keep together
Keep important documents where the family can find them: passports and identification, birth certificate, immigration documents, and any burial plot or prepaid arrangement paperwork. If the person has a pre-need plan with a funeral home, find out whether it covers shipping and what it does not.
Talk to a funeral home
Funeral homes can explain pre-arrangement options and give you a General Price List. Ask whether the plan can be used if the person dies away from the home area or abroad.
Tell the family
A document no one knows about does not help. Make sure at least one trusted relative knows where the wishes and papers are, and how to reach the funeral home and a shipping coordinator.
We are here to answer questions
You do not need to be facing a death to call us. We can explain what repatriation involves for your destination so that your plans are realistic. See What Does Repatriation of Human Remains Mean? and First Steps When a Loved One Dies Far From Home.
A planning worksheet
| Item | Your decision | Who should know |
|---|---|---|
| Final resting place | Family and executor | |
| Burial or cremation | Family and funeral home | |
| Funeral home here | Family | |
| Funeral home or contact at destination | Family and coordinator | |
| Religious or cultural instructions | Family and religious leader | |
| Documents location | Executor and one relative | |
| Funding: insurance or prepaid plan | Executor |
Print or copy this worksheet and fill it in with the people it affects. A conversation at the kitchen table is worth more than a perfect document that nobody has seen.
Documents to keep together
- Passport and national ID.
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate.
- Immigration documents.
- Burial plot deeds or cemetery contracts.
- Prepaid funeral contracts and insurance policies.
- Names and phone numbers of relatives at the destination.
Check what your plan covers
If someone has a prepaid funeral plan or a life insurance policy, ask whether it covers transportation to another state or country. Many plans are written for local services only. Ask the provider in writing, and keep the answer with the documents.
Starting the conversation
It can help to begin with a simple question, such as: if something happened to you, where would you want to rest? Listening matters more than solving everything in one conversation. Take notes, thank the person for sharing their wishes and come back to details another day.
Making it practical
After the conversation, put the key points into the worksheet above, share it with a trusted relative and store the documents in a known place. If the plan involves another country, contact a funeral home or a coordinator to learn what would be needed, and update the plan if requirements change.
Common worries, honestly answered
People often worry that planning will upset the family, that the plan will become out of date, or that it will be too expensive. A short conversation does not commit anyone to anything, and plans can be updated. Knowing what would be involved, including the likely documents and the choices to be made, can reduce anxiety. If you are not ready to plan, you can still write down where you would like to be buried and tell one person you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too early to plan?
No. Planning ahead does not cause anything to happen; it spares your family hard decisions later.
Should the wishes be written down?
Yes, and shared. A written statement helps the family, though legal formalities vary by place; ask a lawyer if you want it to be legally binding.
Do I need to choose a shipping company now?
No, but you can speak with us to learn what would be involved.
Can wishes change?
Yes. Review the plan from time to time and after major life changes.
Who should hold the documents?
The executor or a trusted relative, with a second person who knows where to find them.
Can I prepay the shipping?
Ask a funeral home about pre-need plans and ask us whether we can discuss your situation in advance.
What if the destination country changes its rules?
That is why it is helpful to review the plan periodically and to speak with a coordinator when the time comes.
Keep reading
- First Steps When a Loved One Dies Far From Home
- Cremation and Shipping: What Families Should Know
- What Does Repatriation of Human Remains Mean?
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 contact our team 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.