Repatriation of remains between Mexico and the USA
The United States and Mexico share a long border, with many families having close connections across both countries. When a death occurs away from home, bringing a loved one back to their family can involve complex arrangements, particularly when crossing international borders.
Homeland International provides professional repatriation services between the USA and Mexico, helping families arrange the return of a loved one in either direction. Whether someone has passed away in the United States and needs to be returned to Mexico, or has died in Mexico and needs to be brought back to the USA, we can coordinate the arrangements from start to finish.
Our team will handle the practical arrangements, work with local funeral directors and help obtain the necessary documentation, allowing you to concentrate on supporting your family.
Our Americas Hub in Miami with the support of our Spanish speaking team based in Latin America and our global assistance centre in the UK are well positioned to support with any repatriation in the US or Mexico.
How does repatriation between the USA and Mexico work?
Arranging international transportation between the USA and Mexico requires careful coordination between funeral directors, local authorities, consular representatives and airlines.
The process begins by establishing the location of the deceased and the intended destination. We will then work with our trusted local contacts to arrange the collection and preparation of your loved one.
Depending on the circumstances and destination requirements, this will usually include embalming and the provision of a suitable coffin for international transportation.
One important part of repatriation to Mexico is obtaining the correct consular and transportation documentation. Some paperwork must be translated into Spanish before it can be accepted by the relevant authorities. We can assist with these arrangements and ensure the necessary formalities are addressed.
Once the documentation and preparations are complete, we will coordinate the flight and liaise with the receiving funeral director. On arrival, we can also help with customs clearance and onward transportation to the family’s chosen destination.
What documents are needed to repatriate someone between the USA and Mexico?
The documentation for repatriation between these countries can vary considerably depending on the direction of travel, the location of death and the requirements of the relevant authorities.
When transporting a loved one to Mexico, additional consular paperwork and translated documents may be necessary. For transportation into the USA, requirements can also vary depending on the destination state.
Documents commonly required include:
Information and documents from the family:
The deceased’s passport
Death Certificate
Personal details of the next of kin
Details of the receiving funeral director
Any relevant local release or authorisation documents
Documents arranged as part of the repatriation:
Embalming Certificate
Release paperwork from the Medical Examiner or Local Court, if necessary
Certificate of Freedom from Infection, where required
Export and transportation permits
Consular Mortuary documentation, where applicable
Funeral Director’s Declaration
Certified translations of relevant documents, where required
Airline Air Waybill and transportation paperwork
There may be additional requirements depending on the state or region involved. Homeland International will explain which documents are needed for your particular circumstances and help coordinate the necessary paperwork.
How much does repatriation between the USA and Mexico cost?
The cost of repatriating a loved one between Mexico and the United States will depend on the locations involved and the arrangements required.
Factors that influence the overall price include the distance between the place of death and the departure airport, the destination airport, local funeral director fees, embalming, coffin requirements, airline charges and any additional consular documentation or translation costs.
As every case is different, we provide individual quotations based on the specific requirements of each repatriation.
Our team will talk you through the arrangements and provide a clear quotation, explaining the services included before you decide how to proceed.
The average cost is usually approximately somewhere between $5000 – $10,000 US Dollars.
Every repatriation is different, so we provide individual quotations based on the specific circumstances. Our team will explain the costs involved and provide a quotation before arrangements proceed.
Which airports can we repatriate to in the USA and Mexico?
Homeland International can arrange international transportation through suitable airports in both countries. The choice of airport will depend on the final destination, customs facilities and available airline services.
Airports in Mexico include:
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Mexico City International Airport
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Cancun International Airport
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La Paz International Airport
These are three of the principal customs airports used for international repatriation into Mexico. Other destinations may also be possible depending on the arrangements.
Airports in the USA include:
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John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
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Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey
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Los Angeles International Airport
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Miami International Airport
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
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Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
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San Francisco International Airport
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Boston Logan International Airport
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
The most appropriate arrival airport will depend on the final destination and the availability of suitable customs facilities. We can check alternative airports and routes to find the best option for your requirements.
Following arrival, we can assist with customs clearance and coordinate the onward transfer to a local funeral director or the family’s chosen destination.
Request Quotation
Please provide us with some information such as where the repatriation is to and from so we can provide a quotation to you. You can contact us using one of the methods below:
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