Italy is one of the countries British families visit most — and Italian bureaucracy, dignified as it is, does not explain itself in English. The comune, the ASL health authority and, in some cases, the procura all have a part in releasing a deceased person for international transport. We know the sequence, we speak the language, and we take the whole of it off your hands.
What the service includes
- Collection anywhere in Italy — from the hospital, the obitorio or the local impresa funebre, in any region.
- Every Italian formality — the death registration at the comune, the transport authorisation (passaporto mortuario), health certificates, and the judicial release where the procura is involved.
- Regulation coffin certified for international transport, included in the fixed price.
- The journey to the UK — by road over the Alps and through France with our own fleet, one continuous journey with confirmations along the way.
- Delivery to your chosen funeral director anywhere in the UK, with the arrival window confirmed in advance.
Insurance and who pays
If the death happened during insured travel, the policy often covers repatriation — we can work with the insurer directly. Where there is no cover, the family receives one fixed, final price for the complete journey, agreed before anything begins.
Sicily and Sardinia
For the islands, the ferry leg is arranged by us as part of the same journey and the same quote — one price, door to door.
Frequently asked questions
How much does repatriation of a body from Italy to the UK cost?
It depends on the region of Italy and the destination in the UK, and is quoted as a fixed, final figure on the first call — collection, all Italian formalities, the regulation coffin and the journey included. Our own-fleet road option usually comes in well below typical air-freight arrangements.
How long does repatriation from Italy take?
Italian paperwork typically takes several days — longer where the procura investigates. Once released, the journey to the UK is completed within one to three days, with the arrival confirmed to your receiving funeral director.
Does someone from the family need to travel to Italy?
Usually not. With the family's authorisation we handle the entire Italian side remotely — most families we help in this direction never leave the UK.