Repatriation Inbound

Q: Can family members travel with the flight?

Sometimes this is possible — it depends on the airline and country. We can check this for you.

Q: Will language or documentation be a problem?

We work with trusted partners overseas to ensure documentation is translated, verified and accepted in the UK.

Q: Can we hold a funeral abroad and a service in the UK afterwards?

Yes. A UK memorial or celebration of life can be arranged later if a service has already taken place abroad.

Inbound Repatriation

Bringing Your Loved One Home to the UK — With Care and Dignity

When someone dies overseas, the process of bringing them home can feel overwhelming. At Lodge Brothers, we provide full inbound repatriation services — guiding you clearly, handling all documentation and transport, and caring for your loved one from the moment we are contacted.

Our role is to make the process understandable, respectful and fully supported.

What Inbound Repatriation Means

Inbound repatriation refers to the return of a deceased person from another country to the United Kingdom. It usually involves:

Contacting local authorities overseas
Preparing documentation
Liaising with consulates and embassies
Specialist travel arrangements
Customs clearance
Safe transfer into our care on arrival in the UK

Every step must be followed correctly, and we are here to ensure that it is done properly and with dignity.

Our Step-by-Step Process

We manage every stage for you:

Step 1 – Contact Lodge Brothers

We gather essential details and explain what will happen next.

Step 2 – Overseas Arrangements

We liaase with trusted partners abroad to collect your loved one and manage local requirements.

Step 3 – Legal Documentation

We obtain all necessary paperwork, such as consular clearance, export permits and airline approvals.

Step 4 – Transport to the UK

We arrange flight bookings, specialist coffins where required, and manage airport handling and customs.

Step 5 – Arrival and Care in the UK

We receive your loved one in person and transport them safely into our care.

Step 6 – Funeral Arrangements

We help plan the funeral, burial or memorial service — whether immediate or at a later date.

You will always have one dedicated point of contact who will guide you gently through each step.

Downloadable Checklist — What We Need From You

This checklist can be used digitally or provided as a printable version.

Essential Information

Full name of the deceased
Date and country of death
Passport number (if applicable)
Next of kin contact details
Any travel insurance policy or cover

Documents We May Require

Death certificate (local copy)
Medical or police report
Passport scan
Written authorisation from next of kin
Embalming certificate (for some countries)
Consular permission for repatriation

We Will Guide You Through

Country-specific legal requirements
Contacting overseas providers
Coordinating paperwork and courier services
Expected timeframes
Next possible steps in the UK

Typical Timeline — At a Glance

This outline can also become a graphic or process timeline online:

Day 1 to 3

First Contact and Preparation

We gather information and explain what will happen next.

Day 3 to 7

Overseas Arrangements

Local paperwork and coordination begin abroad.

Day 7 to 12

Travel and Customs Clearance

Transport to the UK is prepared and approved.

Day 12 to 15

Funeral Planning

Once your loved one is in our care, we guide you through any choices ahead.

Please note: Timings can vary significantly based on country and local requirements. We will always let you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ashes be brought back instead of the body?

Yes. We offer ashes-only repatriation, which may involve fewer formalities. We will explain the full process.

Can family members travel with the flight?

Will language or documentation be a problem?

Can we hold a funeral abroad and a service in the UK afterwards?

Our Commitment to Care

At Lodge Brothers, we believe every person deserves to be brought home with dignity. Our repatriation service focuses on clear communication, gentle guidance and professional handling of every detail.

We listen.
We explain.
We bring your loved one home.

Lodge Brothers

Trusted since 1780
The Lodge Family Difference
From simple farewells to traditional funerals