Repatriation involves more than booking a flight. It requires the local death process, preparation of the deceased, official documents, airline acceptance and a funeral director or authorised party at the destination.
1. Confirm the family decision
Tell us the destination country and preferred receiving funeral director if you already have one.
- Check whether insurance covers repatriation
- Confirm the destination and contact person
- Give Serenity authority to liaise with the necessary organisations
2. Complete the Spanish formalities
The death must be handled in accordance with Spanish procedures before international transport can take place.
- Medical or judicial release
- Civil registration and certificates
- Preparation and embalming when required
- Suitable sealed or flight-approved coffin/container
3. Consular and airline coordination
Requirements vary by destination and carrier, so the documents must match the actual journey.
- Consular or embassy documentation where required
- Health and transport documents
- Air cargo booking and airline acceptance
- Coordination with the receiving funeral director
4. Keep the family informed
International arrangements can involve several organisations. One point of contact helps reduce confusion.
- Regular progress updates
- Clear explanation of expected timing
- Copies or details of key documents
- Confirmation of flight and destination handover
What affects the timescale
There is no single reliable number of days for every repatriation. Timing can change because several independent organisations must complete their part before the flight can go ahead.
- Medical or judicial release
- Civil registration and availability of certificates
- Consular or destination-country requirements
- Preparation and documentation for international transport
- Airline cargo space and receiving-funeral-director availability
Insurance and costs
If the person had travel, medical or funeral insurance, contact the insurer before committing to major expenditure where possible. Some insurers appoint their own providers or require authorisation.
- Give the insurer the policy number and Serenity's contact details
- Ask exactly what the policy covers and whether there is an excess
- Confirm whether flights, preparation, consular fees and the receiving funeral director are included
- Request a written repatriation quotation if the family is paying privately
The receiving funeral director
A successful repatriation has two ends. The team at the destination needs the flight information and appropriate documents so they can take responsibility after arrival.
- Confirm the receiving funeral home's full name, address and contact person
- Check who will collect from the destination airport
- Share burial or cremation plans in the destination country
- Keep the family updated when the deceased has been formally handed over
These guides are general information, not legal or medical advice. Procedures can differ according to the place and circumstances of death. Serenity will confirm the steps that apply to your family.
