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International Repatriation

When we serve international families, we are commonly asked if we can help ship remains back to their home country. Shipping human remains across borders, however, is often a complicated and time-consuming endeavor. It can be overwhelming for those who haven’t been through the process before, especially during an already difficult time of life.

Capabilities

Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium has extensive experience offering international repatriation services, so you can rest assured that your loved one will arrive home in a timely manner. We often work with families outside of New Hampshire, or who have loved ones that need to be repatriated back to their home country outside of the United States.

We perform anywhere from 10 to 15 repatriations per year, and have sent remains of deceased persons to many different countries and continents around the globe. In fact we have direct repatriated or assisted families with the repatriation to numerous countries. While we can arrange for the repatriation to just about any country, the map below identifies those countries in which we have the most experience.

International Repatriation Placeholder
International Repatriation

Counties in blue are those in which we have shipped either casketed or cremated remains in recent years.

Requirements

International shipping requirements vary by country, as do customs and traditions for different countries based on religion and culture. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different requirements and customs that apply based on where the deceased is being repatriated.

For example, in order to ship human remains and/or cremated remains from the United States internationally, you must be a known shipper with an airline. The process to become a known shipper is relatively complex, as TSA requires that qualified shippers comply with a variety of specific security regulations. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is currently a known shipper with 10 U.S. and International airlines, which allows us to repatriate deceased remains in either a casket or urn to every corner of the world.

There are also many documents required when shipping remains internationally, such as a death certificate or a certificate of cremation (if applicable), in addition to a variety of authorization forms. The assistance of a licensed funeral director is also typically required in order to send or receive cremated remains internationally. By working with a funeral home that has experience with international repatriation, and that has established a known shipper status with multiple airlines, the process of delivering your loved one’s remains back to their home country is made easier for you and your family.

Services Available

International repatriation involves extensive paperwork, in addition to coordinating closely with embassies, translators, and airlines to ensure that the remains arrive at the correct destination undamaged, and on time. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium can handle all of the arrangements for you, so you can focus on being with your family and friends during this difficult time.

Our services can be customized to meet your needs and preferences, and often include documentation services, shipping coordination, travel arrangements, translation services, customs clearance, embalming services where necessary, and a variety of coffins, caskets or urns to choose from. In cases where the bereaved would like to travel with the remains, arrangements can be made for such an occurrence. Please contact us directly for additional information regarding services available.

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