If you have lost a family member abroad, it is hard to know where to begin. The first steps are to have the death officially confirmed by the local hospital or police, and to contact your country’s embassy or consulate there.
1. HAVE THE DEATH OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED
The first document you need is the death certificate. If the death occurred in a hospital, the hospital issues it; in the case of an accident or other circumstances, confirmation is made through the local police or the relevant authorities. Without this document, nothing else can move forward.
2. CONTACT YOUR EMBASSY OR CONSULATE
Your country’s embassy or consulate can guide you through the required procedures. Note, however, that the embassy does not carry out the repatriation itself. Its role is mainly to verify documents and provide guidance — the actual transport must be handled through a specialist provider.
3. DECIDE ON THE FORM OF REPATRIATION
Broadly there are two options: repatriating the deceased as they are, or cremating locally and bringing the ashes home. Which is best depends on the wishes of the deceased and the family, and on the regulations of the country involved.
✓ Repatriation of the deceased — requires embalming and a casket meeting international standards; documents and time requirements are greater
✓ Cremation and transport of ashes — the process is relatively simpler, but many documents are still needed, and each country’s rules on bringing in ashes must be checked
4. CONTACT A SPECIALIST PROVIDER
It is usual to proceed through a provider that handles the entire process — document preparation, embalming, embassy coordination, air transport, and customs. Because the required documents and procedures differ from country to country, it is very difficult for an individual to manage alone.
TIMELINE AND COST
The timeline depends on the country and on how quickly documents can be prepared, but with documents in place it is generally around a week. Costs likewise vary with the country, the form of repatriation, and the air freight — tell us your situation and we will give you accurate guidance.
INTERNATIONAL F.S handles the entire process from Korea. 24-hour assistance: +82-10-3668-3439 | WhatsApp available