Shipping Human Remains

Domestic Transport of Human Remains

We offer professional and compassionate assistance with shipping human remains, ensuring all legal and logistical requirements are met. Our team handles the process with care, making sure your loved one is transported safely and respectfully, no matter the distance.

Coordinated Care for a Respectful Journey Home

In transporting a loved one, arrangements are needed with two licensed funeral homes. They coordinate the documentation, permits, and transfers, and do so with the utmost dignity. During this time, we guide the families so that the journey home can be as smooth and respectful as possible.

International Transport of Human Remains 

The death of a loved one can be a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience, even more so if they passed away in another country. The complexity of international transport can make this difficult time more stressful. Shipping human remains from one country to another involves navigating a complex web of legal requirements, documentation and logistics. Every situation is unique, and working with a reputable funeral home with experience in global burial shipping can help you navigate the process. Understanding the critical aspects of transporting remains worldwide, including legal requirements and documentation, can help you bring your loved one home.

Legal Requirements for Human Remains Transportation

One of the most critical aspects of international funeral transport is understanding and complying with the legal requirements of the countries involved. Each country has its own shipping rules for the deceased that you must carefully follow. Human remains transport laws are in place to protect public health and ensure the dignity of the deceased. Failure to comply with these rules can result in delays or even the refusal of the remains at the destination country.



International shipping rules for the deceased are governed by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations set standards for the safe and respectful transport of human remains across borders. However, each country may have additional requirements that must be met.

It is essential to research international human remains transport laws and the specific legal requirements for the countries involved in your loved one’s international remains transport. These requirements include those of the country where the death occurred, any transit countries and the final destination country.

Documentation Needed for Shipping Human Remains Internationally

When transporting remains worldwide, you must have several documents to comply with international regulations, avoid delays and ensure smooth transport. Missing or incomplete documents can result in the remains being held up in customs or even refused entry into the destination country. The specific documents needed may vary depending on the countries involved, but the following are generally required:



Death Certificate

You must have an original or certified copy of the death certificate stating the deceased’s full name, date and place of death and cause of death. The death certificate is typically issued by the local authorities where the death occurred.

Embalming Certificate

This document certifies that the body has been properly embalmed and prepared for international transport. Embalming is usually required for international remains transport to ensure the preservation and safety of the remains during transit. A licensed embalmer must issue an embalming certificate that meets the destination country’s requirements.

Transit Permit

The local authorities issue this permit. It grants permission for the remains to leave the country. The transit permit ensures that the remains are transported legally and with proper authorization.

Other Documents

When shipping human remains internationally, you may require other documents depending on the country of origin, countries of transit and the final destination country. These documents may include:

• Apostilles: Special certificates that authenticate the seals and signatures on official documents for use in another country
• Consular mortuary certificates: Issued by the consulate of the destination country and certify that the remains have been properly prepared for transport
• Non-contagious disease certificates: Confirm that the deceased did not have any infectious diseases that could pose a public health risk during transport.

Trusting Greener Pastures Funeral Home with International Remains Transport

Shipping human remains internationally is complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Greener Pastures Funeral Home is here to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and expertise. We understand the immense stress and grief you are experiencing, and we are committed to providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time to lay your loved one to rest according to their wishes.