When a person dies abroad and the family wants them returned to the United States for burial or cremation, the shipment must satisfy the rules of the country of departure and the rules for entering the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets health-related requirements for importing human remains.
What the CDC says
According to the CDC’s guidance on importing human remains:
- No CDC permit is required for remains that are fully cremated or embalmed before importation, among other categories.
- Non-cremated remains must be fully contained within a leak-proof container.
- Except for cremated or embalmed remains, remains intended for final resting must be accompanied by a death certificate stating the cause of death. If the certificate is not in English, it must include an English translation attested by a person licensed to perform legal acts in the country where the death occurred, such as a notary.
- If no death certificate is available, the U.S. embassy or consulate may provide a Consular Mortuary Certificate, an Affidavit of Foreign Funeral Director and a Transit Permit.
- Remains of a person known or suspected to have died from an infectious disease, if not embalmed or cremated, may require a CDC permit.
These rules can change, so always check the CDC’s page for the current version.
Other requirements
The country of departure has its own rules about export, preparation, documents and airline procedures. The U.S. embassy or consulate in that country can often explain what applies locally, and a local funeral director or agent is usually needed to prepare the remains.
At arrival in the United States
A receiving funeral home in the United States takes the remains into care and completes local formalities, including the paperwork required in the destination state.
How we can help
We ship from the United States to destinations worldwide, with a specialty in the Caribbean, Central and South America and Europe. Cases involving remains coming into the United States vary a lot, so please call and describe the situation. We will tell you honestly what we can help with and where you may need other contacts. See What Does Repatriation of Human Remains Mean? and Documents Typically Needed to Ship Human Remains.
CDC rules at a glance
| Situation | CDC position (summary) |
|---|---|
| Fully cremated remains | No CDC permit required. |
| Embalmed remains | No CDC permit required. |
| Non-cremated remains | Must be fully contained in a leak-proof container. |
| Remains for final resting, not cremated or embalmed | Death certificate stating the cause of death; English translation if needed. |
| No death certificate available | A U.S. embassy or consulate may provide a Consular Mortuary Certificate, an Affidavit of Foreign Funeral Director and a Transit Permit. |
| Died of an infectious disease and not embalmed or cremated | A CDC permit may be required. |
This table summarizes the CDC’s published guidance as we read it. Rules change, and the CDC page is the authority. Check it before you rely on this summary.
Steps families usually take
- Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred for guidance.
- Work with a local funeral director to prepare the remains and the local documents.
- Choose a receiving funeral home in the United States.
- Arrange the airline and share the details with the receiving funeral home.
- Confirm with the funeral home what state paperwork will be needed on arrival.
Working with the embassy or consulate
The U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred is often the first official point of contact for American families. It can explain local procedures and, where the CDC rules call for it, provide documents such as a Consular Mortuary Certificate. Ask about fees and wait times, and keep copies of everything it provides.
Arrival and onward travel in the United States
After arrival, the receiving funeral home completes the state’s paperwork and arranges the funeral, burial or cremation. If the final resting place is in another state, additional domestic transport may be needed. Tell the receiving funeral home and your coordinator as early as possible.
Questions to settle before you start
- Where is the person now, and who is caring for them?
- Is the person to be buried or cremated in the United States?
- Which funeral home here will receive the remains?
- Is the death certificate available, and in what language?
- Has the U.S. embassy or consulate been contacted?
The answers shape the plan. If you are not sure where to start, call us and we will help you organize the information, and we will tell you honestly where other contacts may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CDC require a permit?
Not for cremated or embalmed remains, among other categories. A permit may be needed in some cases, such as for the remains of a person who died from certain infectious diseases and were not embalmed or cremated.
Who pays to return remains from abroad?
Generally the family. Some travel insurance or other coverage may help; check the policy.
Can you help with return shipments?
Call us and describe the situation. We will tell you what we can do and where you may need other contacts.
What if the death certificate is in a foreign language?
It needs an English translation attested by a person licensed to perform legal acts in the country where the death occurred.
Is cremation abroad an option?
Yes, in many places. Rules differ by country, and the cremated remains then follow different import rules.
How long does a return from abroad take?
It depends on the country, the documents and the flights. No one can honestly promise a fixed time.
Is there help if the family cannot afford the costs?
Ask the U.S. embassy or consulate, the employer, any insurer and community organizations about possible assistance.
Keep reading
- What Does Repatriation of Human Remains Mean?
- Documents Typically Needed to Ship Human Remains
- Document Translations for Destination Countries
- Cremation and Shipping: What Families Should Know
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.