Bringing a loved one back home, step by step
What the consulate does, what the funeral home does, which documents you need and how to compare without overpaying. Verifiable information — and a person to walk you through it if you need one.
Talk to an advisor · (888) 619-4888The process, in four steps
1.Notify the consulate of the home country
The consulate guides the family, certifies transfer documents and — in Mexico's case — may grant partial financial support in cases of proven need (paid directly to the funeral home). Every country has its own rules: call the nearest consulate as soon as possible.
2.Choose a funeral home with international experience
Not every funeral home handles international transfers. The funeral home prepares the body to the destination country's requirements, obtains the death certificate and transit permits, and coordinates with the airline. The consulate itself recommends getting more than one quote — that is exactly what this directory is for.
3.Decide between transferring the body or the ashes
Transferring ashes is usually far simpler and less costly than transferring the body (fewer sanitary and packaging requirements, and they can often travel with a family member, airline permitting). It is a family and religious decision — an advisor can explain what each option requires without pushing you toward either.
4.Gather the documents
The usual ones: death certificate (several certified copies), embalming or cremation certificate, transit permit, and the deceased's identity documents. The consulate and the funeral home will tell you exactly which apply to your case and country.
Source for the Mexican consular process: Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs — repatriation of remains. For other countries, check with the corresponding consulate.
Compare funeral homes with repatriation experience near you
The consulate recommends more than one quote. Start with your ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
How much does repatriation cost?
It depends on the destination country, whether the body or the ashes travel, and the funeral home. We don't publish figures because they genuinely vary: the honest way to know is to get two or three written quotes — the consulates' own official advice. An advisor can help you request and compare them at no cost.
Can the consulate help pay?
In Mexico's case, consulates run a partial financial support program for the transfer of remains in cases of need, paid directly to the funeral home. Other countries have different programs or none: ask your country's consulate on first contact.
How long does the process take?
With documents in order, the transfer is usually resolved in days, not weeks — but each country and airline has its own timelines. Starting with the consulate and an experienced funeral home is what shortens the process most.
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