What rights do relatives have when a death occurs abroad?
Relatives have numerous rights, including access to information, the right to repatriate the body, and obtaining the death certificate. These rights may vary from country to country.
Important: If you do not speak the language of the country, you still have the right to access all information regarding the circumstances of the death. We will provide all necessary assistance.
We contact the local hospital or police to obtain information.
If needed, we also arrange for the translation of official documents.
We ensure that the grieving relatives are not left with unanswered questions.
What happens to the personal belongings of people who die abroad?
When a person dies abroad, their personal belongings can also be repatriated as part of our specialised service.
If transportation is by road, there is usually no issue in transporting personal items. By air, only the deceased can be transported in the coffin. In such cases, documents and other items, such as laptops and suitcases, travel separately. If there are prohibited items that cannot be transported by plane, we may seek the embassy’s assistance.
How involved is the consulate in the administrative process?
Some embassies actively participate in handling the deceased's affairs.
For example, if the deceased is an American citizen, consulate staff may personally go to the apartment or hotel room.
On the other hand, some consulates do not have the capacity to assist. Practices vary greatly between countries; some are present during the sealing of the coffin, while others are only involved in invalidating the passport.
Consulates generally provide detailed information to the relatives, but in the most intense moments of grief, it can be difficult to process and understand the tasks ahead.
Therefore, it is immensely helpful to have an empathetic, experienced contact person at Antea, whom you can turn to with your questions at any time.
What if there is a war in the country where my relative wished to be buried?
Repatriation to a war zone presents numerous special challenges requiring significant organisational and administrative efforts.
1. Assessing the Security Situation
The first step is always a thorough assessment of the security situation. We contact local authorities, embassies, and international organisations to obtain accurate information about the current situation and security risks. This assessment fundamentally influences the possible methods and timing of repatriation.
2. Obtaining Official Permits
For transporting a body to a war zone, obtaining all necessary permits and documents is crucial. Acquiring these permits can often be a complicated and time-consuming process.
3. Logistical Challenges
Transportation and logistical options may be limited in war zones. Special logistical solutions, such as using military or humanitarian convoys, may be required. Choosing the appropriate transportation method is important to ensure the dignified and safe transport of the body.
4. International Cooperation
Repatriation may require cooperation with international organisations such as the Red Cross or the United Nations. These organisations can assist with logistical support, obtaining permits, and addressing security issues.
Antea’s expert team is experienced in repatriation from war zones and will do everything possible to ensure the process is as smooth and safe as possible.