SHIPMENT OF REMAINS

OVERVIEW

The Philippine Embassy issues consular mortuary certificates for human remains that will be transported to the Philippines. Requirements for shipment of human remains depend on whether the body was embalmed or cremated. 

Applications for Consular Mortuary Certificates must be submitted by mail only. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Philippine Embassy issues consular mortuary certificates for the shipment of remains of deceased persons, whether Filipino or foreign, to the Philippines. 

If the deceased is a Filipino citizen, the death should also be reported to the Embassy. Visit this page for the additional set of requirements.

To ensure timely processing, Consular Mortuary Certificate applications should be received by the Embassy at least seven (7) working days before the scheduled flight for repatriation. 

When scheduling the repatriation, families or representatives of the deceased must take into account the processing time required for the consular mortuary certificate, as well as the mail delivery time. 

The Philippine Embassy assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant should note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted, and may track their envelopes at the website of their chosen courier.

Remains of individuals who died as a consequence of any communicable disease should be properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed metallic casket, which should be enclosed in a wooden coffin or case and securely screwed or nailed and carefully disinfected.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Prepare Your Documents. Complete your required documents before submitting your application. Make sure to have your cover letter, supporting documents, self-addressed return envelope, and money order in your application package.

2. Mail Your Application. Mail your application to this address:

Embassy of the Philippines
Civil Registration Unit
1617 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

3. Receive Your Document. Your document will be mailed to the address that you provided. If documents are complete and in order, the Consular Mortuary Certificate will be processed and mailed out within 3 to 5 business days after receipt of the application.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE MAIL

Please ensure all your documents are complete before mailing your application to avoid delays in processing. The Embassy reserves the right to return incomplete applications.

1. Cover Letter

    • Indicate the service requested
    • Write your name and contact information (mobile number and email address)
    • List the enclosed documents

2. Death Certificate

    • One (1) original and three (3) photocopies of the foreign death certificate
    • Must indicate cause of death

3. Identification Card

    • Three (3) photocopies of the decedent’s passport page or other government-issued ID

4. (IF FILIPINO) Proof of Filipino Citizenship

    • Three (3) photocopies of decedent’s proof of current Philippine citizenship, such as permanent resident card, visa, notice of action, work permit, or dual citizenship identification certificate

5. Flight Itinerary

    • Flight itinerary of the human remains or the person carrying the cremated remains

6. Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope

    • (FOR US RESIDENTS) Self-addressed USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope with USD 10.45 stamps and tracking numbers
    • (FOR CARIBBEAN RESIDENTS) Pre-paid self-addressed courier label 

7. Money Order 

    • USD 25.00 processing fee for Consular Mortuary Certificate
    • Additional USD 10.00 for expedite release
    • Please issue separate money orders for the processing fee and expedite fee
    • Payable to “Embassy of the Philippines”

 

For Human Remains

8. Notarized Mortuary Certificate

    • One (1) original notarized certificate and three (3) photocopies
    • Must state that the body was properly embalmed and the casket contains only the body of the deceased

9. Certificate of No Contagious Disease from the Health Department

    • One (1) original and three (3) photocopies

10. Burial Transit Permit from the Health Department

    • One (1) original and three (3) photocopies

11. Consignee Details

    • One (1) original and three (3) photocopies
    • Name, address, and contact number of receiving Philippine funeral company

 

For Cremated Remains

12. Certificate of Cremation from the Crematory

    • Original and three (3) photocopies
    • Must attest that “the remains have been properly cremated and ashes are placed in a hermetically-sealed urn or a similar container for the issuance of a proper international transport clearance of the cremains”
    • Signatory should be different from the signatory of the Notary public.

13. Passport

    • Three (3) photocopies of the passport data page of the individual designated to carry the urn

NEXT STEPS

If the deceased person is a Filipino, the death should also be reported to the Embassy. Please visit this page for the additional set of requirements to report the death of a Filipino national.

After the Consular Mortuary Certificate is approved, the remains can now be transported to the Philippines.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Visit this page for frequently asked questions.

For further inquiries, email us at civilregistration@phembassy-us.org.