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  • 17-02-2025
  • Category: travel
  • Author: Flightsguard
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Death is a natural process that happens to all organisms and is not predictable. Thus, death can happen to anyone at any time, and we do not have any other choice other than accepting it. While situated in different parts of the world, if any of the family members have lost their lives in the other part of the world, it gets so hard to get the body back home. But we all wish to stay together and connected during this challenging time, and we all want to leave the world from the place where we were born and spent our childhood. Thus, while situated in the USA, if any of the family members have died there, you are willing to bring the body back to India and wonder about the process of flying the dead family member back to India from the USA.

Hence, To transport a deceased family member's remains from the USA to India, you'll need to obtain the necessary documents, arrange for embalming, and coordinate with a funeral home and cargo airline, ensuring compliance with US and Indian regulations.

How much does it cost to fly a dead body from the USA to India?

The cost of transporting human remains from the USA to India depends on the originating city, flight routes, time of the year, and specific services that are used. This tends to cover expenses like obtaining the documents, embalming, casket, cargo shipping charges, local transportation in both countries and agent service fees. Therefore,  If the deceased held an Indian passport, Gratis (No Fee). For non-Indian passports: US$ 40.00 (Forty only) for carrying ashes and US$ 60.00(Sixty Only) for carrying mortal remains. In addition, a fee of US$2.00 (Two Only) towards the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).

How to transport a dead body by air to India?

To transport a dead body by air to India, you need to obtain necessary documents, including a death certificate, embalming certificate, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local police, and then arrange for the body to be transported in a suitable container, ensuring compliance with airline regulations and customs procedures. The essential documents you require for Dead Body Transportation from USA to India are mentioned below; go through the following cited details and get updated.

  • A certified copy of the death certificate.
  •  A certificate from the embalmer.
  • Obtain a NOC from the local police station,
  • The coffin or container certificate.
  • Other needful documents.
  • Acceptance Letter from Funeral Home.
  • A consular mortuary certificate.

Transportation information:

  • Air Transport: Arrange for the air transport of the body to India.
  • Receiver: Ensure a family member or someone authorized to receive the body is at the destination airport.
  • Customs and Immigration: Be prepared for customs and immigration procedures at the destination airport.

Preparation and packaging:

  • Embalming: Ensure the body is adequately embalmed for preservation during the journey.
  • Container: The body should be placed in a suitable container, such as a zinc-lined coffin, within a wooden coffin, then in a shipping container.
  • Packaging: Ensure the container is sealed correctly and packaged according to airline regulations.

Airlines arrangements:

Contact Airlines: You can also contact the airline's air cargo department, which accepts human remains or dead bodies for transportation from the USA to India.
Booking: Book the cargo space and inquire about the service's availability and the next available flight.
Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are presented to the airline at least 3 hours before departure.
Clearance: Obtain necessary clearances from the local health authority and the local police authority

Additional tips:

International Dead Body Transport Services: It is considered to be using the services of international dead body transport agencies for assistance with the process.
Contact Indian Embassy/Consulate: If you are in a foreign country, you must contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate for guidance and assistance.
Inquire about Costs: You need to get an estimate of the costs involved in the transportation, including embalming, container, airfare, and other fees.
Be Prepared for Delays: You need to be sure that the process can take time, especially if the death was unnatural or if there are delays in obtaining necessary documents.

What happens when a US citizen dies in India?

When a US citizen dies in India, the US Embassy or Consulate in the relevant Indian state needs to be notified so that they can issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which is necessary for settling legal and estate matters in the United States. Thus, you need to proceed with the following points as mentioned; go through the points below and get further updated.

  • Notify the US Embassy or Consulate.
  • Provide information to confirm the death.
  • The embassy or consulate will prepare a CRODA, an official death record.

Therefore, assistance was also obtained from the US embassy consulate. Below are the points to take care of.

  • Locate and inform the next of kin about the death.
  • Provide information on local burial or return of remains to the United States.
  • Coordinate with the legal representative regarding the deceased individual's remains.
  • The embassy or consulate will issue the CRODA to the next-of-kin or legal representative.
  • Communicate with local authorities and explain how to send funds to cover necessary costs.

How can I bring ashes from the USA to India?

To bring ashes from the USA to India, you'll need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Consulate. You also require the following documents: death and cremation certificates, and you must arrange for international shipping, either through airlines or postal services. Thus, there are further details that you need to know regarding the process of bringing the ashes from the USA to India.

  • Death Certificate: Original and a copy.
  • Cremation Certificate: Original and a copy.
  • Burial Transit Permit
  • Deceased's Passport: Original and a photocopy of pages containing personal particulars (first three and last two pages).
  • Proof of Address: Copy of utility bill, driver's license, or lease agreement.
  • Completed Application Form: For "Carrying of ashes of the deceased to India."
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain this from the Indian Consulate in the US.