Repatriation — Cuba

Apostille for Repatriation of Remains to Cuba

Repatriating remains to Cuba involves unique consular requirements. Cuba is not a Hague Convention member, so documents require additional legalization. We guide families through every step.

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Documents We Apostille

Florida death certificate

Embalming certificate (notarized)

Non-contagious disease certificate

Burial transit permit

Cuban Interests Section documentation

Funeral home authorization (notarized)

Casket certification

Autopsy report (if applicable)

Identification of deceased

Next-of-kin authorization (notarized)

Cuban ID of deceased (if available)

Airline cargo documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cuba accept apostilled documents?

Cuba is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents for use in Cuba require authentication through the Cuban Interests Section (or Cuban Embassy) rather than a standard apostille.

What is the process for repatriating remains to Cuba?

Repatriation to Cuba requires coordination with the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C. and compliance with both U.S. and Cuban regulations. We guide families through the complete process.

Are there special U.S. regulations for sending remains to Cuba?

Yes. Repatriation to Cuba may require compliance with U.S. Treasury OFAC regulations. We advise families on current requirements and help ensure all documentation is in order.

How long does repatriation to Cuba take?

Due to the additional authentication steps and regulatory requirements, repatriation to Cuba typically takes longer than to other countries. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible to begin the process.

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Prepare your documents with confidence

For repatriation, have the funeral provider confirm the records required for the specific destination and route. Death, cremation and transport documents should be identified and prepared separately.

Transporting a deceased person’s remains or ashes involves the funeral provider, carrier and receiving authorities. Their instructions determine the transport, public-health and documentary steps. Confirm the current checklist before ordering authentication; an apostille alone does not authorize transport, replace a permit or establish that a carrier will accept the shipment.

Check that all pages, certification sheets and attachments are present. Keep the recipient’s written instructions and confirm where completed documents should be delivered. Timing is confirmed after document review and depends on preparation, the competent authority, translation and delivery.

Tell us the document, its issuer, destination country and intended use, and your deadline. We will review preparation, translation and delivery options before confirming an estimate and timing. Ask for instructions before mailing originals. Please mail with a tracking number.

Have the funeral provider identify the exact death, cremation, disposition or transport records needed for the intended route.

Confirm which office issues each record and whether complete certified copies or particular translations are required.

Coordinate delivery and original-document return with the provider and recipient so the paperwork arrives with the required arrangements.

Does apostilling a death or cremation record authorize repatriation?

No. The funeral provider, carrier and competent authorities handle transport and permissions. Authentication may be one documentary requirement within their process.

What should I confirm before requesting an estimate?

Provide the document, issuer, destination, intended use, number of copies and deadline. Include the recipient’s checklist if available. This allows preparation, certification, translation and delivery to be reviewed before a cost estimate is confirmed.