How to Transport a Dead Body

How It Works?

Step-by-step dead body transport procedure & repatriation process

Introduction

The death of a loved one — especially in a faraway place — is a devastating moment that leaves families uncertain about what comes next. As India’s most trusted partner, we provide a clear, ethical, and certified approach for families learning how to transport a dead body with dignity and urgency.

Understanding the process to transport dead body internationally is critical when time and emotions collide. From road transfers to air cargo procedures, from Dubai’s police NOCs to USA’s CDC permits — we simplify the formalities so that grieving families don’t have to.

Case Snapshot – A real-life repatriation

Boston to Bengaluru (2025)
Mr. Balram., aged 56, passed away in Massachusetts, USA. Within 60 minutes, upon the confirmation of the customer our team coordinated with the Indian consulate, arranged embalming at a licensed funeral home, booked an IATA-certified airline route, and completed all formalities. The body reached Bengaluru, India in 72 hours.

These were the words of the customer who we supported “We never imagined repatriation could be so respectful and smooth. My relative reached the Indian shores for his last rites very gracefully” 

 – Son of Mr. Balram

Step-by-Step Process

(A detailed guide on the steps for repatriation of mortal remains)

Notification & Intake

  • 24×7 Helpline or web enquiry form
  • Case assigned to a Certified Case Handler
  • Collection of key data: location, passport, local authority records

Quotation & Documentation Kickoff

  • Transparent quote with breakup of human remains repatriation cost
  • Checklist of needed documents (death certificate, hospital report, passport, NOC)
  • Legal validations initiated (embassy, police, consular approvals)

Embalming & Sealing

  • Body moved to a WHO-authorized embalming center
  • Use of formaldehyde-free preservative techniques
  • Zinc-lined coffins sealed and tagged with CTM-compliant packaging

Transport Booking — Air, Rail, or Road

  • Air cargo transport for human remains (via IATA-certified airlines)
  • Rail repatriation via IRCTC (if domestic long-distance)
  • Mortuary van with freezer box for short or last-mile transfers
  • Next-flight bookings available for 85% of international cases

Customs & Airport/Station Clearance

  • Airport entry clearance, customs forms, airway bills
  • Embassy/consulate filings for final departure
  • Handover to receiving country’s representatives or family

Final Handover & Support

  • Delivery to family or funeral facility
  • Priest coordination for Hindu, Muslim, Christian rites (on request)
  • Guidance for insurance paperwork & claim filing (if applicable)

Turnaround Time Estimates for India-bound timeframe

Country/Region Avg. Timeframe
USA / Canada 3 – 5 working days
UAE / Dubai 2 – 3 working days
Saudi Arabia 4 – 6 working days
UK / EU 3 – 4 working days
Australia 3 – 5 working days
Singapore 3 – 5 working days

These are real-time averages based on our dead body repatriation records. Embassy closures or paperwork gaps may affect delivery.

Note: Timelines may vary due to embassy holidays, consular delays, or airline constraints..

Misconceptions About Dead Body Repatriation

Clearing some mis-conceptions that people assume, and are not aware…

Myth: “The Indian Embassy will bring the body back.”
Reality: The embassy facilitates documents only. Families must arrange the full dead body transport procedure.

Myth: “Any airline will take the body.”
Reality: Only certified handlers and airlines like Air India allow repatriation flights — and we manage how to send dead body by Air India from start to finish.

Myth: “Insurance covers it all.”
Reality: Most human remains repatriation costs are not covered unless explicitly mentioned in travel or corporate life insurance.

Certifications and Ethics Body Transport Services promise

  • IATA CTM Compliant
  • WHO-Authorized Embalming
  • CDC Packaging Protocols
  • Trusted by 120+ Consulates

“No Exploitation. No Delays. No Confusion.” — Our Pledge to Every Family.Your Content Goes Here

Language Support

The International Body Transport Services team is fluent and capable of supporting customers in English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Arabic — to serve grieving families in their native language with ease.

Prefer to Chat

Some moments are too emotional for forms.

Connect with us instantly on WhatsApp or Live Chat — our 24×7 team is ready to guide every family.

Live Repatriation Tracker (Mobile Updates)

Families deserve clarity, not silence.

Live status updates available at each milestone — embalming complete, flight booked, customs cleared, and final handover.

Quick FAQs

Depends on the country, but most are completed in 2–5 working days.

Yes. Families may opt for SMS/email alerts at every major stage.

For international cases, yes — per WHO and airline guidelines. Domestic cases vary.

It depends on documentation, airline cargo rates, and urgency. Contact us for a clear estimate.

Yes. Including all legal forms, embassy filings, and how to send dead body by Air India when applicable.