Repatriation of a deceased body
The following regulations apply to the transport of a deceased person of Hungarian nationality to Hungary:
- Non-cremated remains
The deceased must be placed in a double casket. The inner one must be firm and entirely airtight, and made of sheet metal (lead or zinc). Absorbent material, such as sawdust, must be placed on the bottom of the inner casket. The body must be soaked in a sublimate solution of 1% strength.
The casket must be packed in a wooden coffin, which may again be packed to be protected from eventual damage, or maybe covered with canvas or tarpaulin so that the nature of its contents are not revealed. Strong handles must be bolted on the outer packaging. The funeral director should provide a certificate attesting that the above procedure has been followed. Transporting objects or flowers with human remains is strongly prohibited.
In order to receive the permission of the Consular Office for the transportation of the body of the deceased, the following documents are required:
- Certificate of the funeral director (containing information on the preparation of the body and the casket)
- Confirmation from the Hungarian cemetery of the receipt of the body
- Itinerary, means of transportation, name of the entry point into Hungary
- Name and address of contact person in Hungary
- Letter from the medical examiner on the cause of death, stating that is was not from a contagious disease
- Death certificate
The issuance of the permit is subject to a fee, which you can find HERE.
- Cremated remains
There are no special requirements for the shipment of cremated remains into Hungary, however, the funeral urns must be sealed. If the cremated remains are sent by mail, the package containing the urn should be addressed to the recipient or to the cemetery. It is recommended that a copy of the certificate of death be enclosed with the shipment.
Urns can also be brought into Hungary as carry-on luggage. No additional permits or licenses are required from the diplomatic or consular missions of Hungary, but we strongly advise you to contact the airlines in advance to clarify the possible requirements.
