Repatriation of bodies
Repatriation of bodies to England and Wales
If a death occurs abroad, the death 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.
Funeral arrangements
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 England and Wales. This certificate must be obtained from the registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased
Cremation arrangements
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.
Repatriation of bodies abroad
Some countries require a cadaver certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial. The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the borough for three months before the death.
Anyone can apply to obtain the cadaver certificate. The funeral directors will also help with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country where the deceased is going.
Some of these requirements may apply for a burial in another part of the United Kingdom.
Please contact cemeteries@havering.gov.uk, 01708 434433, if you need more advice and support with repatriation of bodies.