Repatriation of Remains Between the USA and India

The documentation required depends on the direction of travel, the location of the death and whether the deceased is being transported in a coffin or as cremated ashes. Some documents may need to be translated, authenticated or certified.

For repatriation from the USA to India, the paperwork for transporting a deceased person in a coffin may include:

• The original death certificate, stating the cause of death.

• The deceased person’s passport, which will normally need to be cancelled as part of the consular process.

• An embalming certificate.

• A certificate confirming that the deceased did not have a communicable or infectious disease, where required.

• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Indian Embassy or relevant Consulate.

• A certificate confirming that the human remains have been packaged appropriately.

• The required application and clearance through India’s e-Clearance for Afterlife Remains (eCARe) system.

• The air waybill and details of the person receiving the deceased in India.

India’s clearance process also requires advance notification to the relevant airport health authorities. The receiving arrangements and documentation need to be coordinated before the shipment is booked.

For repatriation from India to the USA, the documents may include:

• The Indian death certificate or medical certificate of death.

• The deceased person’s passport and relevant identification documents.

• An embalming certificate and confirmation of suitable preparation for air transportation.

• A certificate confirming that the deceased did not die from a communicable disease, where required.

• Any local permissions or transit permits needed for export.

• A Consular Mortuary Certificate.

• An affidavit or declaration from the local funeral director.

• An English translation of the death certificate or other documents, where required.

If the death was accidental or otherwise unnatural, additional documentation, such as a police report or post-mortem report, may be necessary.

If you are arranging the transportation of cremated ashes rather than a deceased person in a coffin, the requirements are different. A death certificate and cremation certificate are commonly required, together with suitable sealed packaging and any consular or airline documentation applicable to the journey.

Requirements can vary according to the state or local authority involved and the circumstances of the death. Our team can help establish which documents are needed and coordinate with the relevant funeral directors and authorities.