Timing
It is not the flight that takes the time. It is the consulate.
The question comes up in nearly every first conversation, often because relatives are already waiting abroad, or because faith calls for a swift burial.
The short answer: three to five working days within Europe, five to ten outside it. The useful answer explains where that range comes from.
Each step presupposes the one before it. That is why they add up rather than overlap.
Added together, these give the range above. None can be skipped; some can be prepared in advance.
A consulate that accepts submissions only two days a week automatically adds several days. A country requiring a sworn translation adds one or two more.
Weekends and public holidays count twice over: they are holidays in Switzerland and often in the destination country too, but rarely on the same dates.
Destinations without a direct flight from Zurich or Geneva mean a connection, and funeral freight is not accepted on every connection.
Where faith calls for haste — in Islam and Judaism — several consulates accept an expedited procedure if it is requested with reasons from the outset. We put that in writing with the file.
For neighbouring countries, road transport removes air freight, customs clearance and the wait for a flight. To Germany, France or northern Italy, departure within 48 hours is realistic.
The notification deadline, compliant placing in the coffin and consular legalisation are regulated steps. A provider promising a repatriation to a distant country within 24 hours is promising something they do not control.
After the first call we give you a range based on our experience of that country. After the consulate replies — usually the same day or the next — we give you a date.
From then on, every completed step is confirmed to you in writing: permit obtained, file submitted, flight booked, handover done. You do not have to call to find out where things stand.
Questions & answers
The transport, yes. The authorities and consulates, no. A death on Friday evening therefore usually means departure early the following week, except for destinations reachable by road.
The deceased remains in our refrigerated premises. A farewell is still possible during this period; tell us and we will arrange it.
Considerably. Without a zinc coffin or funeral freight, three to five days in total is common, cremation included.
A great deal. To Germany or France: two to four days. To the Balkans: four to seven. To Asia or South America: seven to twelve. The consulate weighs more than the distance.