Information on Repatriation of bodies outwith Scotland
When someone dies abroad or in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you can bring the body back to Scotland once you have received the certificate of death and an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death from the appropriate authorities.
You can then arrange a funeral in Scotland. For this you will need either an authenticated translation of a foreign death certificate or a death certificate issued in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, depending on the country of death.
You can however, arrange a local burial or cremation to avoid the expense of bringing the body back to Scotland.
Every country has its own regulations and it is always worth checking with the Embassy or Consulate first.
If a person dies outwith Scotland or abroad, any registration office within Scotland can set up Tell Us Once for the family. Find out more about Tell Us Once (opens new window) here.
Copy of the Death Certificate Registrar
Certificate of Registration of Death, Form 14 Registrar
Embalming Certificate Funeral Director
Free from Infectious Diseases Certificate Attending Doctors
Furth of Scotland Certificate for Fiscal cases Procurator Fiscal
Declaration as to Coffin Contents Funeral Director
Air Waybill Documents, Flight Detail Summary Cargo Handling Agents
Customs Clearance H M Custom
The following documents may be required in addition:
Faxed confirmation from receiving funeral directors
Environmental Health Officer's declaration that the coffin is zinc lined and has been hermetically sealed and will not create a public health nuisance during transit and arrival.
A declaration from the Local Environmental Health Department that there is no epidemic of infectious disease in the area of death.
The deceased's passport or authenticated copy or laissez-passer document.
Consular sealing documents and receipts.
Cremation forms B & C can also be useful.
If someone dies in Scotland, the death must be registered in Scotland, this can be in any Registration office in Scotland.
Please note that it is illegal for the body to be buried or cremated without certain specified documents being issued.
