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Repatriation of a deceased body from abroad to England or Wales

If a death occurs abroad, it should be registered according to the local regulations of that country and a death certificate should be obtained.

To bring a body back to England or Wales you will need either the death certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so.

To arrange a funeral in England or Wales you will need:

  • an authenticated translation of a death certificate showing the cause of death
  • a Certificate of No Liability to Register from the registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased

To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Home Office or a form E from the coroner will be required. If the death was from natural causes, the Home Office will require the following documentation:

  • application for cremation (form A)
  • all original documentation from the country where death occurred
  • translation of documents if necessary

If the death was not natural it will be referred to the coroner who will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of death. In this case the coroner will issue form E for cremation.

For further information please contact us using the details below.

Contact us
Bereavement services
Hither Green Crematorium, Verdant Lane, London SE6 1TP
Tel: 020 8698 4955 or 020 8697 2555