Bereavement - Repatriation

REPATRIATION

Repatriation of the deceased, transporting the body or cremated remains of a person overseas can be a very complicated process.  You have to notify the relevant UK authorities and cope with the regulations of the country of destination.

There are funeral directors that specialise in repatriation: www.rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk|

Funeral Industry trade associations will also be able to help you find one in your area.  The associations are:

• Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
  3 Bullfields
  Sawbridgewirth
  Hertfordshire
  CM21 9DB
  Tel: 01279 726777
  www.saif.org.uk
• National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
  618 Warwick Road
  Solihull
  West Midlands
  B91 1AA
  www.nafd.org.uk
• Funeral Standards Council (FSC)
  30 North Road
  Cardiff
  CF1 3DY
  Tel: 029 2038 2046

There are no legal restrictions about taking ashes out of the UK but the country that you are taking them to may have regulations e.g. Greece treats ashes like an exhumed body and will not let them in until a year after the death.  Regulations vary a great deal and you should check with the relevant Consulate or Embassy.

To remove a body from the UK permission has to be obtained from the Coroner four days before the journey is due to be made.  No official permission is needed to take a body out of Scotland.  Almost always the body has to be embalmed and sealed in a metal lined coffin.  The regulations for the country of destination have to be obtained from the Embassy and complied with.  Arrangements for the reception and disposal of the body in the country of destination need to be made prior to departure.

If you have any questions or you require further assistance then please contact the cemetery staff on 01452 396902 between 9.00am and 4.30pm (Monday to Friday) Email: heretohelp@gloucester.gov.uk|

Last Updated: 17/09/10