Repatriation of Remains: HK Procedures

When Is Repatriation Needed?

When a loved one passes away overseas or in mainland China, families often need to arrange for the repatriation of remains back to Hong Kong for funeral proceedings. Common scenarios include:

• Death overseas: A family member dies while travelling, studying, or working abroad
• Death in mainland China: A Hong Kong resident dies on the mainland due to illness, accident, or natural causes
• Overseas Hong Kong emigrants: Families wish to bring remains or ashes back to HK for burial
• Transnational families: Religious or cultural reasons requiring burial in a specific location

Repatriation involves navigating multi-jurisdictional regulations and complex documentation. It is strongly recommended to engage a funeral director experienced in international cases as early as possible.

Bringing Remains INTO Hong Kong

Required Documents

To transport remains from overseas into Hong Kong, the following key documents are typically required:

1. Death Certificate: Issued by the competent authority of the country where death occurred, notarized and authenticated
2. Embalming Certificate: Confirming that the remains have been properly embalmed to international transport standards
3. Consular Authorization: Authentication from the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country of origin
4. Freedom from Infection Certificate: Confirming the deceased did not die of a communicable disease, or that appropriate measures have been taken
5. Import Permit: Issued by Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)

FEHD Import Permit Application

Under Cap. 132 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, importing human remains into Hong Kong requires prior FEHD approval. The process works as follows:

• A Hong Kong funeral director submits the application to FEHD on behalf of the family
• Supporting documents include a copy of the death certificate, embalming certificate, and other required papers
• FEHD processing typically takes 2-5 working days
• Upon approval, FEHD issues an "Import Permit for Human Remains"

Airline Requirements for Shipping Remains

Air transport of human remains is subject to strict regulations:

• Coffin requirements: Remains must be placed in a sealed, leak-proof zinc or lead-lined inner coffin, enclosed in a sturdy wooden outer coffin
• Embalming: All internationally transported remains must be embalmed
• Cargo hold transport: Remains are shipped as cargo in the hold of passenger aircraft or on dedicated cargo flights
• Advance notice: Airlines require 48-72 hours advance notice to reserve space
• Complete documentation: All permits and certificates must accompany the coffin

Role of the Funeral Director

During the import process, the Hong Kong funeral director is responsible for:

• Coordinating with the overseas funeral home on transport arrangements
• Applying for the FEHD import permit
• Arranging reception of remains at the airport
• Transporting remains to the funeral parlour or hospital mortuary
• Assisting with subsequent funeral arrangements

Typical Timeline

The time required to repatriate remains to Hong Kong depends on several factors:

Sending Remains OUT of Hong Kong

Required Documents

To transport remains from Hong Kong to an overseas destination, you will need:

1. Hong Kong Death Certificate: Issued by the Coroner
2. FEHD Export Permit: Application for an "Export Permit for Human Remains"
3. Embalming Certificate: Issued by the licensed funeral director
4. Destination Country Import Permit: Check requirements with the relevant consulate
5. Airline Documentation: As required by the carrier

Embalming Requirements

Before exporting remains, embalming must be performed by a licensed funeral director:

• Embalming typically takes 4-6 hours
• Cost ranges from approximately HK$8,000-15,000
• Must be carried out at an approved facility

Coordinating with the Destination Country's Consulate

Different countries have different import requirements. Families should check with the relevant consulate well in advance:

• Some countries require death certificates to be translated in a specific format
• Some countries require additional health certificates
• Certain countries restrict the import of human remains (accepting only cremated ashes)

Special Case: Mainland China Cross-Border Transport

Mainland Residents Who Die in Hong Kong

When a mainland Chinese resident dies in Hong Kong and the family wishes to transport the remains back to the mainland:

• An FEHD export permit is required
• The mainland Civil Affairs Bureau and funeral service provider must be notified
• Remains are typically transported via the Shenzhen border crossing (Man Kam To or Shenzhen Bay)
• A mainland funeral vehicle must be arranged to receive the remains at the border

Hong Kong Residents Who Die on the Mainland

When a Hong Kong resident dies in mainland China and the family wishes to bring the remains back:

• An application for "Approval for Cross-Border Transport of Remains" must be made to the local Civil Affairs Bureau
• The mainland funeral service must issue a death certificate and embalming certificate
• An FEHD import permit for Hong Kong is required
• Land transport via border crossings is generally simpler and faster than air transport
• Estimated timeline: 1-2 weeks

Required Mainland Approvals

Key mainland approvals include:

• Civil Affairs Bureau (民政局): Approves cross-border transport of remains
• Public Security Bureau: If unnatural death is involved, investigation must be completed first
• Health Authorities: Issue a health clearance permit

Cremated Remains (Ashes) — A Simpler Process

Compared to transporting a body, transporting cremated ashes is significantly simpler:

Carrying Ashes on a Flight

• Most airlines allow passengers to carry cremated remains as hand luggage
• You should carry a copy of the death certificate and cremation certificate
• The urn must be made of X-ray-scannable material (avoid fully metal urns)
• Notify the airline in advance and carry English-language documentation

Bringing Ashes into Hong Kong

• Bringing cremated remains into Hong Kong does not require an FEHD permit
• However, you should be prepared to show the death certificate and cremation certificate to customs if requested
• It is advisable to carry documents in both Chinese and English

Taking Ashes out of Hong Kong

• Exporting ashes from Hong Kong is also relatively straightforward
• Check the destination country's import regulations
• Some countries may require advance declaration

Cost Estimates for Repatriation

International repatriation costs vary significantly depending on distance and destination:

Total cost estimates:

• Within Asia: HK$50,000 - $100,000
• Europe/Americas: HK$80,000 - $150,000
• Mainland China cross-border: HK$30,000 - $70,000
• Cremated remains only: HK$2,000 - $10,000 (mainly documentation and flight costs)

Practical Advice

Choose a Funeral Director with International Experience

When dealing with international repatriation, it is strongly recommended to select a funeral director with relevant experience:

• Familiarity with regulations in different countries
• An established network with overseas funeral homes
• Ability to efficiently handle complex documentation
• Can provide translation and consular authentication assistance

The Importance of Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance that includes "repatriation of remains" coverage before travelling is extremely important. Most travel insurance policies provide repatriation coverage of around HK$300,000-500,000, which is generally sufficient to cover most transport costs.

Emergency Contacts

• Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD): Tel (852) 2868 0000
• Immigration Department — Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit: 24-hour hotline (852) 1868
• China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline: +86-10-12308

Families dealing with the death of a loved one overseas are already under immense emotional strain. Seeking professional assistance from an experienced funeral director early in the process can significantly reduce the burden of navigating complex paperwork and procedures, allowing the family to focus on mourning and remembrance.