Repatriation of remains

Repatriation of a body (to England or 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.

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

• an authenticated translation of a death certificate showing the cause of death, and
• 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.

For information or advice, use our online e-form (secure).

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 the 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 body (to 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 some three months preceding the death.

Cadaver certificates

This formality of obtaining the cadaver certificate is usually handled by the undertaker, making the arrangements on behalf of the relatives. However, anyone can apply. The funeral directors will also help with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country to which the deceased is going. Some of these requirements may apply for burial in another part of the United Kingdom.

The certificate is issued by the Environmental Health Officer for the Council in whose area the person died, or is to be exhumed from before reburial elsewhere.

For information of assistance with an application, use our online e-from (secure).

Contact details

If you want more details about our services, click on the relevant links or contact us using our online form or by:

e-mail: bereavement.services@wolverhampton.gov.uk Phone: 01902 554992
Minicom: 01902 555770
Fax: 01902 554987

Write or visit:

Bereavement Services
Civic Centre
St Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SD

Map: Google maps