International repatriation involves a set of technical requirements — embalming, zinc-lined containers, sealed coffins, cargo documentation — that were designed around standard Western practice. Many of these requirements create friction with religious and cultural traditions that have their own requirements for the handling of a deceased person. Understanding where the conflicts arise, and what can be done about them, is important for families making decisions under time pressure.
The IATA Embalming Requirement and Religious Objections
The most common point of friction is embalming. IATA regulations require that human remains transported by air must be embalmed unless specific exemptions apply. Embalming involves the introduction of chemical preservatives into the body through the circulatory system, which changes the body in ways that conflict with some religious traditions.
Islam: Traditional Islamic practice holds that the body should be buried intact and as quickly as possible after death, without invasive procedures. Embalming is not prohibited by Islamic law in absolute terms, but many Islamic scholars consider it disliked (makruh) unless necessary, and some hold a stronger position against it. For international air transport, necessity creates the justification, but families should know the argument exists and may arise within the community.
In practice, most Islamic families proceed with embalming for repatriation on the grounds of necessity. Where families have strong objections, refrigerated transport has been used as an alternative on some routes; the repatriation company should be asked explicitly whether this is feasible for the specific origin country and routing.
Judaism: Traditional Jewish law prohibits embalming and requires burial as soon as possible, ideally within twenty-four hours. Where the deceased was Jewish and the family is observant, the Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society) should be contacted immediately. Some Chevra Kadisha organisations have experience coordinating with international repatriation companies to manage the documentation and timing process. The body should not be left unattended (shmirah — watching of the deceased — is a traditional duty). Discuss with the repatriation company whether local arrangements can be made in the country of death.
Sikhism: Sikhism prescribes cremation, ideally as soon as possible. Cremation in the country of death followed by repatriation of the ashes is often a practical option that aligns better with Sikh tradition than full body repatriation. Ashes can be transported as personal effects or in hold luggage, which is simpler and faster. Discuss this option with the repatriation company.
Hinduism: Cremation is also the traditional Hindu practice. Repatriation of ashes, or cremation in the country of death followed by immersion in the Ganges or another sacred river, may be preferable to full body repatriation for some families. The specific tradition varies by region of origin and family practice.
Christianity: Mainstream Christian traditions generally have no objection to embalming or standard preparation for repatriation. Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions may have specific requirements for the washing, anointing, and dressing of the body; discuss these with the repatriation company’s local partner so they can be carried out before sealing.
Timing Constraints
Many religious traditions require burial within a specific time period after death. Islam prescribes burial as soon as possible; traditional Judaism within twenty-four hours; Sikhism and Hinduism also favour prompt cremation. International repatriation typically takes seven to twenty-eight days depending on the country, which means these timing ideals cannot usually be met.
Families and religious communities generally understand this when the circumstances are explained clearly. What is important is that the repatriation process moves as quickly as possible and that unnecessary delays are avoided.
Some families choose to conduct a local funeral or memorial service in the country of death — consistent with local religious custom — before repatriation of the body or ashes. This is entirely possible and can provide some of the traditional closure that timing constraints would otherwise prevent.
Body Positioning and Preparation
Some traditions specify how the body should be positioned, cleansed, or dressed before burial or cremation.
- Islamic: The body should be washed (ghusl) and wrapped in a white shroud (kafan) before burial. Where the deceased is to be repatriated, this preparation can be carried out before the body is placed in the sealed transport coffin, provided the local funeral director is aware of the requirement and experienced in Islamic preparation. The wrapping must be done after embalming if embalming is proceeding.
- Jewish: Ritual washing (tahara) and dressing in white burial shrouds (tachrichim) are traditional. Again, the Chevra Kadisha or a funeral home experienced in Jewish preparation in the country of death should be involved.
- Sikh: The body is traditionally washed, dressed in new clothes including the Five Ks (panj kakars) where applicable, and placed in a coffin rather than wrapped in a shroud. Inform the local funeral director of these requirements.
What to Tell the Repatriation Company
When you first contact a UK repatriation specialist, state clearly:
- The religious and cultural tradition of the deceased and the family
- Any specific requirements for washing, preparation, or positioning before sealing
- Whether there is a religious objection to embalming, and whether the family wishes to explore alternatives
- Whether a local religious ceremony before repatriation is desired
- Whether repatriation of ashes rather than a body is being considered
The repatriation company should be able to accommodate these requirements in most countries. Confirming them early avoids situations where the body has already been prepared in ways that conflict with family wishes.
Sources: Islamic Medical Association of North America, Embalming: Islamic Perspective, imana.org, 2022. Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Guidelines on Repatriation of Deceased, 2023. Sikh Missionary Society UK, Death and Funeral Rites, sikhmissionary.org, 2024. Hindu Council UK, Death and Funeral Rites Guidance, hinducouncil.net, 2024. IATA, Shipper’s Guidance for Human Remains, 25th edition, 2024. Cremation Society of Great Britain, Religious Traditions and Cremation, cremation.org.uk, 2023.