Repatriation Services — Specialists Since 1994
International Repatriation Services — Specialists in Cuba & Latin America
When a loved one passes far from home, National Funeral Homes ensures they return with dignity. We handle every step — documentation, logistics, and international coordination — so your family can focus on healing.
Specialists Since 1994
Cuba Repatriation Experts
Available 24/7
Bilingual Team EN / ES
International Repatriation
What Is International Repatriation?
International repatriation is the process of returning the remains of a deceased person to their country of origin for burial or final rites. It involves documentation, embalming, consular authorizations, and airline coordination. Very few funeral homes in Florida have the expertise to manage this process efficiently — National Funeral Homes has been doing it since 1994.
For immigrant families in Miami, repatriation is often both a cultural obligation and a practical choice. Returning a loved one to their homeland allows the entire family to gather, follow traditional rites, and say goodbye in a setting that carries meaning — often at a lower cost than services in the United States.
Countries We Serve
Cuba & All of Latin America
- Cuba — Our primary specialty since 1994
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Mexico
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico
- Guatemala & Nicaragua
- All Latin American & Caribbean countries
- Worldwide service available
Why Families Choose to Return Their Loved One Home
Repatriation is more than logistics — it's a final act of love. Families choose it for emotional, cultural, and financial reasons.
Emotional & Cultural Reasons
- Honor cultural and religious traditions that can only be observed at home
- Gather the entire family for a shared farewell
- Fulfill the deceased's final wish to rest in their homeland
- Reduce complicated grief by following familiar mourning practices
- Celebrate the person's heritage, roots, and community
Financial Reasons
- Avoid high U.S. cemetery costs (plot, vault, headstone, maintenance)
- In Cuba, funeral services are free upon arrival — family only pays repatriation
- Guatemala & Nicaragua: government subsidies available — we coordinate with consulates
- Cremated remains transport is simpler and more affordable
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
How the Repatriation Process Works
Step 1 — Initial Consultation
We meet with your family by phone or in person to confirm your wishes, gather the necessary information, and determine whether the repatriation will be of the body or cremated remains. We provide a transparent, itemized quote with no hidden fees.
Step 2 — Documentation & Permits
We prepare and file all required documents: death certificate, embalming certificate, burial transit permit, consular transit permit, and destination country entry documentation. We handle all consulate appointments on your behalf.
Step 3 — Preparation of the Deceased
For traditional repatriation, the body is professionally embalmed according to U.S. and destination country standards. For cremation, ashes are placed in an airline-approved urn with secure packaging and tracking. Both options meet all international airline and customs regulations.
Step 4 — Airline & Consulate Coordination
We coordinate directly with airlines and the relevant consulates to schedule transport and ensure all clearances are obtained before shipment. Our established relationships with carriers and embassies significantly reduce processing times.
Step 5 — Delivery & Aftercare
We coordinate with a receiving funeral home or family representative at the destination to ensure safe and dignified delivery. We provide continuous updates throughout the entire process so your family is never left without information.
Our Primary Specialty
Cuba Repatriation — Specialists Since 1994
National Funeral Homes was founded in Miami's Cuban community and has been repatriating remains to Cuba since 1994. We have direct relationships with Cuban consular authorities, established airline routes to the island, and deep knowledge of the documentation requirements that make Cuban repatriation unique.
When remains arrive in Cuba, funeral services are provided free of charge by the Cuban government. Your family only pays for our repatriation service from Miami to the point of arrival. We handle all permits, consular approvals, and airline logistics — so the process is as fast and seamless as possible.
Special Permits Handled
We process all Cuban consular transit permits and special authorizations required for repatriation to the island.
Airline Restrictions Navigated
Flights to Cuba have unique cargo regulations. Our team manages all booking and compliance requirements with carriers who service the island.
Local Partners on the Island
We coordinate with trusted receiving funeral homes in Cuba to ensure dignified delivery and proper local arrangements.
Body Repatriation vs. Cremated Remains
Full Body Repatriation
- Professional embalming to international standards
- Transit casket or airline-approved container
- Full consular documentation
- More complex permits and higher freight cost
- Required by many families for whom returning the body is non-negotiable
Cremated Remains Shipping
- Faster and more affordable process
- Airline-approved urn with secure packaging
- Simplified documentation requirements
- Easier to transport by a family member as carry-on or checked baggage
- Preferred by families who want ashes scattered or stored locally
Not sure which option is right for your family? Call us 24/7 and we will explain all options clearly, with no pressure and no hidden fees. Contact us here.
Why Families Trust National Funeral Homes for Repatriation
- 30+ years of international repatriation experience
- Deep knowledge of Cuban consular requirements
- Bilingual team — English and Spanish
- 24/7 availability — even on holidays
- Transparent pricing — itemized quotes, no surprise fees
- We handle consulate appointments on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions — International Repatriation
How long does repatriation to Cuba take?
Generally between 5 and 10 business days, depending on consulate processing times and airline availability. With our established relationships, we often complete the process faster than average. We provide an estimated timeline during your initial consultation.
What documents are required?
Certified death certificate, embalming certificate, burial transit permit, consular transit permit, and the receiving party's identification in the destination country. We prepare and file every document on your behalf — you do not need to contact the consulate yourself.
Can I have a farewell service in Miami before repatriation?
Yes. We can organize a private viewing or memorial service in Miami before the body is transported. Many families choose this to allow friends and community in South Florida to say goodbye before the final departure.
Is repatriation more affordable than burial in the U.S.?
In most cases, yes. U.S. burial costs include the plot, vault, headstone, and ongoing maintenance fees. Repatriation avoids all of these. In Cuba, government funeral services are provided free upon arrival. In some Latin American countries, government subsidies are available — we coordinate with consulates to obtain these on your behalf.
Do you repatriate to countries outside Latin America?
Yes. We offer worldwide repatriation service. While Cuba and Latin America are our primary specialty, we have coordinated repatriation to Europe, Africa, and other regions. Contact us to discuss your specific destination.
Ready to Begin? We Are Here for You 24/7.
Losing someone is never easy. When repatriation is the right choice for your family, our team is ready to guide you through every step with compassion, clarity, and no hidden fees. Call us now or send us a message.