Houghtons Funeral Directors · 01925 729998 (24 hours)

Bringing someone home, or taking them to where they belong

Based in Warrington, Halton and Cheshire, we look after families across the whole of the UK and overseas. We arrange the journey, the paperwork and the people involved, so you can focus on your family.

We cover every journey

When someone dies far from where they grew up, or where their family lives, you may want them close to you. We arrange repatriation in every direction, and we explain each step in plain English.

  • Within England and Wales: Moving someone to a funeral director, chapel of rest, church or crematorium of your choice, with careful care throughout.
  • To Scotland, Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK: Including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. We give the notice that is needed and work with a local funeral director at the other end.
  • To countries overseas: We arrange the paperwork, the preparation of your loved one, and flights with the airline, working with an agent in the destination country.
  • Coming home to the UK: If someone has died abroad, we help you bring them back for a funeral near you.
  • Cremated remains: Safe, respectful delivery or collection, within the UK and across the world.

Taking someone out of England: what the law asks for

A person who is going to take a body out of England must tell the coroner for the area where the body is lying. This applies whether the journey is to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or another country. It comes from the Removal of Bodies Regulations 1954.

The notice goes to the coroner together with the paperwork showing the death has been registered, or the coroner's own order or certificate. The coroner acknowledges the notice and tells the registrar. We do all of this for you.

The body cannot be moved until four clear days after the coroner receives the notice. The only exception is when the coroner's acknowledgement says they are satisfied that no further enquiries are needed. In that case your loved one can travel straight away.

This is a general guide, not legal advice. Rules can change, so we confirm what applies to your family at the time.

How a repatriation works, step by step

  1. Call us, day or night. Tell us where your loved one is, where they need to go and when you hope the funeral will be. We will tell you straight away what is possible.
  2. We check the paperwork. We find out what the coroner, the register office and the destination need, and what you must provide. We give you a clear written quote before anything is arranged.
  3. Care and preparation. Your loved one is cared for with dignity. For overseas journeys, this normally includes embalming and a sealed, lined coffin that meets airline and country rules.
  4. Notice, permissions and travel. We give the coroner notice, arrange the vehicle or flights, and work with the funeral director or agent at the other end.
  5. Arrival and the funeral. Your loved one is met on arrival and cared for until the funeral. We can arrange the service here, there, or both, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own laws for registering deaths and for cremation and burial. In Scotland, for example, a death is normally registered within 8 days, not 5.

We make sure you receive the right documents for the place where the funeral will be held, and we speak to the funeral director there, so you only have to tell your story once.

Going abroad, or coming home from abroad

Every country has its own rules. Many ask for a death certificate, a doctor's or embalming certificate, the coroner's acknowledgement, and papers translated or approved by their embassy or consulate. Airlines also have their own requirements for the coffin and the way it is packed.

If someone has died abroad, the death must be registered in the country where it happened. You can also record it with the UK authorities if you want a UK record. If the person is to be cremated in England or Wales, the coroner must issue a certificate (known as Cremation 6). The GOV.UK guides explain this, and we can handle it with you.

You do not have to work this out alone. We deal with the embassies, airlines and agents, and speak to you in plain English.

Transporting cremated remains

Within the UK, there are no special permits for travelling with cremated remains. We can hand-deliver them to you or to whoever you choose, or arrange a safe, tracked and signed-for delivery.

If cremated remains are going by air, ask the airline first. They may allow them in hand luggage or checked luggage, and often ask for a non-metallic container so the contents can be scanned. We will help you choose a suitable one.

When leaving a country with cremated remains, you will normally be asked to show the death certificate and the certificate of cremation. Each country has its own rules, and some need extra paperwork. When coming back into the UK, you will need to fill in a standard customs form. We prepare the documents with you.

Scattering or burying ashes in another country is also governed by that country's rules. We can tell you what to ask before you travel.

Official guidance and professional bodies

We follow the law and official guidance. These organisations publish clear information if you would like to read more.

Talk to us, day or night

Call us on 01925 729998 and tell us where your loved one is and where you would like them to be. We will explain what happens, how long it takes and what it will cost, with no pressure at all.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take someone from England or Wales to Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Yes. We arrange the journey and the paperwork, give the notice the law requires, and work with a funeral director near the family at the other end, so everything is ready when your loved one arrives.

How long does it take to move someone out of England?

The law says the coroner must be given notice before a body leaves England, and the body cannot normally leave until four clear days after the coroner receives it. If the coroner confirms sooner that they need no further enquiries, we can travel earlier. We tell you the likely timing as soon as we know the details.

Can you transport cremated remains?

Yes. We can deliver them by hand anywhere in the UK, or arrange them to be sent safely and securely, whether you live in this country or overseas. We check the rules of the airline and the country involved first.

Do you arrange repatriations from abroad to the UK?

Yes. We work with the family, the insurer and a partner overseas, and look after the coroner's paperwork, the funeral and the journey from the airport.

Who pays for repatriation?

Costs depend on the distance, the country and the paperwork. We give you a clear written quote before we start. If the person had travel insurance, ask the insurer early, as many policies cover repatriation.