Preparing for a funeral
Read our preparing for a funeral page to help you make an informed decision for funeral arrangements
Repatriation to another country
Some countries require an official document before they will let a body into the country for burial. The document is called a ‘cadaver certificate’. It confirms that no epidemic or infectious disease had occurred in the area for three months before the death.
Obtaining a cadaver certificate is usually handled by the undertaker making the arrangements. This is done on behalf of the relatives. However, anyone can apply for the certificate.
The funeral director will help with anything requested by the coroner. They will also help with the requirements of the authorities in the overseas country where the deceased is going. Some of these requirements may also apply for burial in another part of the UK.
The certificate is issued by an environmental health officer from the local council in the area where the person died. This officer will also issue the certificate if the deceased is to be exhumed for reburial elsewhere.
If you need to contact an environmental health officer in North Lincolnshire, please email environmental.health@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297000.
Repatriation of a deceased body from abroad to England or Wales
If a death occurs abroad, the death will need registering according to the local regulations of that country. A death certificate will need collecting. You will need either the death certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so. This is to bring a body back to England or Wales.
To arrange a funeral in England or Wales you will need both of the following:
- An authenticated translation of a death certificate showing the cause of death.
- A certificate of ‘No Liability to Register’ from a Registrar of Births and Deaths in England and Wales. This certificate must be obtained from the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the area where the deceased is to be buried or cremated.
To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Home Office or form ‘E’ from the coroner is needed. If the death was from natural causes, the Home Office will require the following documentation:
- Application for cremation (Form ‘A’).
- All original documentation from the country where death occurred.
- Translation of documents if necessary
If the death was not natural, it will be referred to the coroner. They will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of the death. In this case the coroner will issue form ‘E’ for cremation.
Exhuming a deceased body
It is quite rare for a body to be exhumed. Please read our exhuming a deceased body page for details about the process and the licence required.