How do you bring a loved one home from Australia?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in Australia?

Call 000 (triple zero) for emergency services. If death occurs in hospital, hospital staff handle initial procedures. If death is unexpected, police and the state/territory coroner may be involved. Contact the British High Commission in Canberra or nearest consulate.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from Australia take?

In most cases, repatriation from Australia takes 10-21 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 4-8 weeks or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• State-by-state variation in coronial and registration processes
• Coronial investigation (coroner holds body until released in all reportable deaths)
• Remote or outback death (significant internal transport required)
• Distance: 22-24 hour flight minimum adds days to the process
• Time zone difference (8-11 hours ahead of UK) slows communication
• Indigenous community deaths may involve cultural protocols
• Weekend and public holiday closures at state registries

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from Australia?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• Australian death certificate (state-issued)
• Embalming certificate
• Freedom from infection certificate
• Passport of deceased (or copy)
• Export permit for human remains
• Airline cargo documentation

Documentation typically takes 5-14 days to complete.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in Australia do when someone dies?

The British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from Australia instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in Australia. Transporting ashes to the UK requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Documents needed to transport ashes

• Death certificate
• Cremation certificate
• Export documentation

Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance. Non-metallic container recommended for security screening.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from Australia?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.

More questions

Other frequently asked questions about repatriation from Australia