Our international repatriation services: Expertise you can trust

The international repatriation of a deceased individual is a complicated process that requires a high level of experience and expertise.

Our team helps bereaved families navigate through this trying time with a feeling of trust and support.

Learn more about repatriation and our funeral services.

Understanding the international repatriation process

International repatriation is a delicate and complicated process by which the body of a person who has passed away abroad is brought back to Canada.

The rules and regulations regarding repatriation vary according to the airline and the country, and the process entails various challenges and complications that can take a very heavy toll on grieving families:

• Legal and regulatory aspects: Considering each country holds its own particular administrative and documentation requirements, not to mention specific requirements in terms of authorizations, the process can quickly become mind-bending.
• Logistics and coordination: To successfully organize the transportation of the body of a deceased individual from one country to another, proper coordination between local authorities, embassies/consulates and airlines is key. The task can become all the more daunting when different time zones and languages are involved.
• Preserving the body: Repatriation can sometimes be a lengthy process. Given the uncertainty of the timeframe, preserving the body is essential.

Transporting the body

When someone passes away abroad and the body must be returned to the country of origin, transportation can prove to be an impressive logistical operation.

There are different ways to go about it. Depending on the distance and the location, the body can be transported by air or by land.

Whatever the means used, the ultimate goal is to bring the body back to the country of origin while ensuring the highest possible level of care and dignity. To achieve this, the body must be placed in a casket made of wood or metal, according to authority specifications.

What to do if someone passes away abroad?

Has a loved one passed away while abroad? We understand your concern.

The Government of Canada advises Canadian citizens to follow these steps when a loved one dies abroad:

1. Identify a representative for the deceased.
2. Notify the deceased person’s insurance company.
3. Contact a funeral home in the country where the death occurred.
4. Determine which government programs must be informed.
5. Cancel any benefits the deceased may be receiving.
6. Find out what to do with the deceased’s documents.

The next steps leading to repatriation will be determined by the country where the death took place.

Also, we recommend contacting a funeral home in the country of origin, such as Les Sentiers, to help with all the paperwork.

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/death-abroad?_ga=2.119271055.722315253.1691508486-1440243298.1691508486

Administrative and legislative procedures

As we said earlier, international repatriation is subject to country-specific laws and regulations.

There can be a significant amount of red tape to cut through, depending on the country. Here are some examples of required documentation:

• Death certificate
• Burial or cremation authorizations
• Export/import permit
• Any other essential legal documents

Our international repatriation services

Les Sentiers, part of the Magnus Poirier Group, also offers repatriation services.

Our team is dedicated to helping families in difficult times. Through our human approach and expert services, we allow grieving families to repatriate their deceased loved ones as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

We work hand in hand with the relevant authorities at the provincial, federal and international levels, and handle all the logistics involved in bringing back the deceased person’s remains.

We partner with funeral homes abroad to ensure full compliance with all administrative procedures, with minimal delays. The repatriation process includes the following:

• Repatriation request
• Notification of local and foreign authorities
• Request for Medical Certificate of Death
• Authorization to close casket

Our extensive knowledge of international repatriation laws allows us to smoothly undertake all the necessary steps, from completing paperwork all the way to coordinating transportation.

Contact us to learn more about our funeral transportation services.

Guidance on a human scale

Throughout the repatriation process, our team remains in close contact with families to keep them updated and provide emotional support.

We also offer personalized services, such as funeral services and arrangements for memorials and ceremonies, to meet the specific needs of each family.

Helpful advice

The process of international repatriation is a trying experience. Here is some helpful advice to help guide you:

1. Work with experienced professionals. You’ll have more time to focus on the funeral and your own personal grieving, instead of dealing with paperwork and logistical headaches.
2. Reach out for help. Don’t hesitate to talk to our repatriation team about your needs and concerns. They will answer all your questions and help reassure you.
3. Verify if the deceased person has repatriation coverage.
4. Ask the airline about the required documents.
5. Emotional support: Seek support from your family, friends and community. The repatriation process can be emotionally draining.
6. Follow the wishes and traditions of the deceased, especially in terms of funeral rites and their final resting place.

Do you have questions about repatriating a deceased loved one or organizing a funeral? Our team is here to help.

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