If your loved one passed away while traveling or in a location far from their hometown, it can be difficult to face your grief while making funeral arrangements. However, it’s also important to know what your options are, so you can ensure you honor the memory and wishes of your loved one. Below, the caring funeral directors at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT, discuss what you need to know.

Returning the Body Home

If a loved one has passed away in a foreign country and you wish to return them home, preparation and shipment of the body will depend on the country’s local laws, regulations, and customs. While embalming is not common in most foreign countries, there are other methods where the body can be shipped. It’s best to work with your funeral director for assistance with the communications and arrangements.

Local Burial

Some people choose to have their loved one buried in the place where they passed; however, many countries do not allow this as an option. You can find out about a country’s specific regulations by contacting a consular officer. This option is less expensive than having the deceased shipped home.

Cremation

You can also choose to have your loved one’s body cremated in a foreign country and their ashes returned home. While this is also dependent on the country’s policies, it’s more common than a local burial. You can choose to have the ashes shipped, mailed, or you can take them on an airplane without paying extra costs.

No matter what your situation is, the compassionate funeral directors at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT, will help you with every step of the process, so you can focus on saying goodbye. For more information about funeral planning, or to speak with a professional funeral director, give them a call at (203) 869-0315. You can also visit the website to learn more about their full list of offerings.