Repatriation of a deceased body

If a death occurs abroad it should be registered in accordance with the regulations of that country. To bring a body back to England or Wales, you will need either the death certificate or an official authorisation to move the body from the country of death.

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 the deceased is to be buried
• For more information, please refer to the page on burials.

To arrange a cremation in England or Wales either an official authorisation to release the body (form E) is required from the coroner or a cremation order from the Home Office. The Home Office will require the following documentation to issue a cremation order:

• An application for cremation (form A)
• All original documents from the country where the death occurred
• Translations of the documents where necessary
  For more information, please refer to the page on cremations.

If the death of the deceased was not from natural causes, it will be referred to the coroner who will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of death.

Repatriation of a deceased body abroad

Some countries require a cadaver certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial or cremation. This certificate confirms that there has not been any epidemics of infectious diseases three months preceding the death.

The formality of obtaining the cadaver certificate is usually handled by the undertaker who makes the arrangements on behalf of the relatives. The funeral directors will also help with anything requested by the coroner and with any requirements of the authorities in the overseas country where the deceased is being taken.

If the deceased died or needs to be exhumed in Tower Hamlets, the cadaver certificate is issued by the council’s environmental health officer.

Further information

For further information please contact:
Environmental health & protection
60 Southern Grove
London
E3 4PN

tel 020 7364 5008
fax 020 7364 6831
E-mail: environmentalhealth@towerhamlets.gov.uk

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