Repatriating a Body by Air: Steps and Timelines to Know

A difficult moment, with formalities not to face alone

Losing a loved one far from home adds a precise set of administrative and medical formalities, governed by strict international rules, on top of an already painful moment. Ambulance Flight coordinates the entire process so that, as far as possible, the family has only one thing to focus on: being supported.

Documents typically required

• A medical certificate of death, stating the cause, issued by the relevant local physician or authority.
• A permit to transport the body, usually issued by the local town hall, consulate, or health authority, depending on the country.
• A certificate confirming the coffin meets local requirements (zinc-lined or equivalent, depending on the departure and arrival countries' regulations).
• The deceased's passport or ID, and sometimes a translated death certificate.

The exact list varies significantly by country of departure, country of arrival, and cause of death (an autopsy may sometimes be required). Ambulance Flight works with local funeral partners in each country to identify precisely which documents are needed from the first call.

How long does it take?

It depends on the country, on the local authorities (in particular if an inquiry or an autopsy is required), on how quickly the civil and consular documents are issued, and on the flight itself. We give an estimate as soon as the case has been reviewed, and we never promise a date we cannot hold.

Why a dedicated private jet

The deceased is flown on a dedicated private aircraft arranged for each case. For a family, this has concrete advantages:

• Speed and flexibility: the departure can be aligned with the completion of the formalities and with the family's wishes, instead of depending on the timetable of a scheduled flight.
• A direct route: the flight is planned straight towards the destination, with technical stops only if the distance requires them, and no connections.
• Dignity and discretion: an aircraft dedicated to the transport of the deceased, handled with care from start to finish.
• One coordinator: one of our coordinators follows the transport until the receiving funeral home takes over.

Ambulance Flight coordinates the full chain: the local funeral director, a compliant coffin, transport to the airport, customs formalities and reception on arrival.

What we handle for you

Our desk is reachable 24/7 to take charge of these formalities from the first contact, working with local authorities, the consulate where needed, and the operators involved. You can read more on our dedicated Coffin Flights service page.

General information only — not personalized medical advice. Always confirm with the patient's treating physician before making a travel decision.