Sending a Loved One’s Body Home for Final Rest

En nuestros corazones, el concepto de hogar tiene un profundo significado espiritual. It's where our roots run deepest, where our ancestors rest, and where we find a sense of belonging. Although we may stray from home for many reasons, we often hope to return home to be laid to rest when our lives come to an end.

There is also the matter of family. It is not always possible for toda la familia to travel to the United States for a funeral, and loved ones abroad deserve an opportunity to say goodbye. Many also prefer to be buried near their ancestors, where future generations can visit and pay their respects.

When a loved one passes away in the United States, there are several ways to bring them home for final burial. The option you choose will depend on your budget and their final wishes, but know that whatever you choose, Latina Funerals & Cremations can help you with making the arrangements.

Transporte internacional de restos cremados

The simplest and most affordable way to send a loved one home is by transporting their cremated remains. After a loved one has been cremated, there are several ways they can be brought back to Mexico:

• By Car: There are no laws against traveling with cremation ashes. If you wish to journey home to see their ashes interred, you can pack the urn carefully in your vehicle and drive to their final resting place yourself. At Border Patrol, you may need to present a death certificate, cremation certificate, and disposition-transit permit. The funeral home can help you obtain these documents in both English and Spanish to make this simple.
• By Plane: Different airlines have different rules about flying with ashes, but most will allow them in carry-on or checked luggage. You will need to bring the same paperwork with you to provide to the TSA agent. It’s best if the ashes are transported in a container made of wood or cardboard. Using a temporary transportation urn, and purchasing a different burial container when you arrive at your destination, will make this process simpler.
• Shipped by Mail: Different countries have laws about receiving cremated remains, but most do allow for ashes to be sent by mail. Packages must be shipped by Priority Mail Express International, and the declaration form should clearly state that it contains cremated human remains. Mexico requires that cremated remains be accompanied with a death certificate and certificate of cremation. To make the process simpler, the USPS provides a free shipping kit with the appropriate box, labels, and packing materials. You simply need to request it on their website.

Once your loved one’s ashes have arrived at their destination, they may be scattered or buried at the location of your choosing. You will need to coordinate with the local cemetery to arrange a burial plot or columbarium niche for the urn if you have not already done so. If you have any questions about this process or need help with the necessary paperwork, your funeral director can guide you.

Transporte internacional de un cuerpo para su entierro

If your loved one’s final wish was to be buried rather than cremated, international transport is still possible. The process is somewhat more complex, but la funeraria can handle most of the details so that you don’t need to worry about your loved one’s body arriving safely. 

Bodies may be shipped by land or air. They must be embalmed and kept in a special airtight shipping container that protects them during transport. They can be shipped in this container with or without a casket, and you can arrange to purchase a casket at your destination or select one at your Denver funeral home before transport. 

If you wish to accompany your loved one to their final resting place, you may be able to purchase tickets on the same flight. Airlines often accommodate these requests with a special rate. The funeral director can help you understand your options here, too. 

Tu ser querido merece descansar en paz donde reside su corazón. Latina Funerals & Cremations has a close relationship with consulates in many countries throughout Central and South America and we can arrange international transportation to any location. Call (303) 996-0701 to speak with a funeral director about our burial, cremation, and international transport options.