The case of death in a foreign country

In case of death in a foreign country, a company providing international funeral services must be contacted either in the country of location or in Estonia. If one has an insurance, the insurance provider must be contacted as well.

The necessary documents (cremation certificate, death certificate, which, if necessary, is certified by an apostille, or a translation is ordered), sealing of a coffin or urn, and transport in case of repatriation must be ordered from a funeral director.

Coffins and urns for repatriation, as well as flowers, wreaths and other ornaments accompanying them, are exempt from customs duty and no written customs declaration must be submitted.
If necessary, a Consul will advise relatives on the registration of death and repatriation procedure.

We also recommend looking up the requirements of the country of location and airline for transporting an urn of coffin out of a country.

The requirements of the country of destination must be followed upon repatriating a person’s body or ashes from Estonia to another country.

 Additional information – international transport and repatriation of the deceased


For additional information, call customs information line on +372 880 0814 or e-mail at [email protected]

Last updated: 18.10.2023

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