At a glance
- Sequence
- 5 steps
- Family's key document
- valid passport
- Regular document target
- within 24 hours
- Regular arrival target
- within 48 hours
Step 1: confirm the two locations
The first call establishes where the deceased is being held and where the handover should take place. The holding facility, contact person, known cause-of-death category and the family’s phone number are added to the case. A full bundle of certificates is not expected from the family at this point.
Step 2: assign the vehicle
After the case and scope are confirmed, the vehicle is assigned to the route. The family does not need to travel with it. Collection access, opening hours and release status are checked with the holding institution before arrival.
Step 3: collect the passport
The valid passport of the deceased is the main original document requested from the family. It allows the identity on the medical and civil-status records to be checked. Any spelling or date discrepancy needs to be resolved before travel papers are issued.
Step 4: complete departure and destination papers
The country of death records the death, medical circumstances and release. It also issues the document required to take the deceased out of its territory. The destination country may require a consular permit, evidence of a burial place or another entry document. Transit requirements depend on the chosen route.
Step 5: travel and handover
Once the deceased and documents are released, the road journey follows the confirmed corridor. Handover is recorded at the cemetery, local funeral director, cold-storage facility, hospital or address named in the plan.
A practical timeline
| Planning point | Expected status in a regular case |
|---|---|
| Hour 0 | route, contacts and current status recorded |
| By hour 24 | ordinary documents checked or issued |
| By hour 48 | arrival at the agreed destination under normal conditions |
The clock is a planning tool, not an unconditional guarantee. It depends on a natural-death case being releasable and on the relevant public offices being available.
Frequently asked questions
Who should be called first after a death abroad?
Follow the local institution's procedure first: emergency service, doctor or police as appropriate. Once the deceased is in an authorised institution, the repatriation route can be assessed.
Does the family have to visit every authority?
No. The responsibilities are allocated at the start. The family provides the passport and any information or signature specifically required for the case.
Can the vehicle leave before every paper is complete?
Vehicle positioning can begin after confirmation, but collection and border transport require the necessary release and travel documents to be available.
What if the death is under investigation?
Police, prosecution or another competent authority must release the deceased. The transport timetable is updated only after that decision is known.
How is the receiving point selected?
It can be a cemetery, local funeral director, mortuary, hospital or agreed address. The person accepting the handover and the time window are confirmed in advance.
What can extend the normal timing?
Post-mortem examination, investigation, infectious-disease requirements, missing identity papers, weekends, public holidays and restricted office hours can all extend the procedure.