Death is never easy, especially when it involves a close family member. But, if the death occurs in another country, the death of a loved one can become overwhelming. There can be quite a bit of red tape involved in bringing the loved one home for burial. If your loved one has passed away while visiting another country, there are steps you need to take. These steps help you bring them back home. Here are four things you need to do right away. These steps help hurry the process of transportation and burial for your loved one.

Speak With a Local Funeral Home

If your loved one was in another country when they passed away, you need to contact a local funeral home. The process of returning your loved one's remains needs to be facilitated between both countries. Your funeral director will help reduce the stress associated with that process. When you talk to your funeral director, make sure that they have experience in out-of-country death. Also, ensure that they'll be available for communication after business hours. Most foreign countries are in different time zones, which can make communication difficult.

Contact the Appropriate Government Offices

Once you've arranged for services through a local funeral home, contact the appropriate government offices. The embassy or consulate office in the foreign country will expedite the process from their end. They'll also ensure that you receive a Consular Report of Death as well as a death certificate for your loved one.

Eliminate Communication Barriers

If your loved one passed away in a foreign country, you may be left to deal with a language barrier. Language barriers make it difficult to arrange the necessary services for your loved one. If you don't speak the language, hire a translator as soon as possible. They can provide a vital link between you and the officials you need to communicate with.

Gather Your Loved One's Important Documents

Finally, if you're working to bring your loved one's remains home from a foreign country, gather all the documents you'll need. Some of those documents include your loved one's birth certificate, social security card, visa, and passport. Your loved one was probably traveling with their passport and visa. That means you need to work with the foreign embassy or consular agent to get those documents. You'll need those documents before your loved one can be brought back to the United States for burial.

 

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