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When death occurs away from home, if the decision is made to have the funeral held in Singapore, repatriation services are required if the deceased’s remains are to be brought back to Singapore. Repatriation services are designed to help families navigate the logistics and legalities involved in bringing a deceased loved one back home or transporting them to another country.
This article provides a detailed guide on repatriation services in Singapore, what it covers and what it doesn’t, and what you need to do and know when death of a loved one occurs outside of Singapore.
It is of chief importance to note that repatriation services in Singapore ARE NOT all inclusive. Funeral directors are paid to handle the logistics of repatriation, typically including all the relevant documentation on both sides (Singapore and the country of death), arranging for transport for the body back home, liaising with authorities from both countries, and looking for/ liaising the funeral director at the country of death. Booking of flights and accommodation for family members to travel down to the country of death canalso be handled.
However, expenses outside these are typically not covered. That includes the cost of transport (flight tickets) both for the body and forfamily members, payment of the funeral director overseas to conduct embalming if required or chosen, payment of documentation, the casket, and funeral expenses, be it held in Singapore or the country of death (an additional funeral package would need to be paid for).
Naturally, expenses such as transport would vary greatly depending on the country of death and the logistical complexity involved in transporting the body back to Singapore. Contact funeral director to let them know your specific situation, and they would be able to better advice fromthere.
Note that only 2 funeral directors have transparent pricing,which are at $2,000 (City Funeral Singapore) and $2,500 (Memorial Funeral Specialists), so do not expect to pay much more for funeral directors to purely handle the logistics of repatriation. Use our directory to for information on all funeral directors that engage in repatriation. Parting Goodbyes is working on acquiring more prices for clearer reference.
If travel insurance is bought, it might cover fully or partially the cost of repatriation, including the cost of repatriation services (where the funeral director handles the logistics of repatriation, as discussed above).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) provides a guide on what to do when a loved one passes away overseas, summarised here:
1) Contact the Singapore Embassy at the place of death or contact MFA directly
Their Consular Officers can help provide a list of local undertakers/funeral directors, and advice on how to proceed, such as further details on cost and other considerations dependent on the country of death.
2) Confirm Travel Insurance
The insurance company should be notified immediately, if applicable.
3) Decide which next-of-kin will travel
A next-of-kin must be present to identify the body and make other necessary arrangements such as collecting personal belongings. Inform MFA or the Embassy, and proof of relationship with the deceased has to be provided.
4) Identify a Funeral Director in Singapore
If it has been decided to have the funeral in Singapore, and the body is to be transported back, identify a funeral director in Singapore to handle the logistics of repatriation and the funeral which is to take place in Singapore.
Use our directory on repatriation here to identify such funeral directors.
5) If next-of-kin is to accompany the casket, inform MFA
MFA can make arrangements for the next-of-kin to be on the same flight as the casket, if that is required for religious or any other purpose.
1) Death Certificate with:
a. Deceased Name in English, as in their passport
b. Nationality
c. Passport Number
d. Date of Death
e. Cause of Death
2) Embalming Certificate (if embalmed)
3) Airway Bill (optional)
4) Sealing Certificate for the coffin
To make sure it is hermetically sealed and metal-lined, and hence fit for transportation.
5) Coffin Export Permit
Issued by the country the body is departing from to authorise the export
6) Coffin Import Permit
Issued by Singapore’s Port Health Office, which costs $17.50. A family member or the funeral director can apply on the family’s behalf, but a letter of authorisation is required.
If next-of-kin decide to cremate the body in the place of death, and bring their ashes back to Singapore, the country of departure typically requires there be:
1) Death Certificate issued by local authorities
2) Cremation Certificate
However, requirements differ from country to country. Contact the Singaporean Embassy for more information.
Singapore does not impose regulations for bringing ashes back. Contact the airline to confirm if they have any requirements, such as placed the ashes in the checked in baggage or carry on. Ashes are also typically required to be placed in a covered urn or container throughout the travel.
If death occurs overseas, remember to first contact MFA or the Singapore Embassy, who would help greatly in guiding your next steps. If you decide to transport the body back to Singapore and have a funeral in Singapore, identify a funeral director with our directory, and contact them to handle the logistics. A funeral director in the country of death may also need to be contacted.
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