Mortuary passport for Italy
The mortuary passport is the document that accompanies a body across borders. We explain when it is required, who issues it and which documents are needed.
When it is required
The mortuary passport is required for the transport of a body between Italy and the countries that signed the 1937 Berlin Agreement on the transport of human remains.
The United Kingdom and the United States are not among them: for these countries other documents are needed, such as the authorisation for transport abroad and the clearance of the destination consulate.
Berlin Agreement countries
Italy, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and Turkey.
Who issues it and which documents
Leaving Italy
The mortuary passport is issued by the municipality where the death occurred. The application usually includes:
- application with revenue stamp
- extract of the death certificate
- health authority certificate on the coffin and the preservation treatment
- burial authorisation and coffin-sealing statement
- clearance of the judicial authority in case of violent death
Arriving in Italy
The Italian consulate in the country of death checks the documents, obtains the authorisation of the Italian municipality of destination and issues the document that accompanies the coffin.
Bodies and ashes: different requirements
Body
A body needs a sealed double coffin, preservation treatment and the mortuary passport or the documents required by the destination country.
Ashes
The Berlin Agreement does not apply to ashes. The municipality still issues an authorisation for transport abroad, and some destinations ask for consular clearance.
Consular and destination checks
For countries that did not sign the Berlin Agreement, the municipality authorises the transport abroad and the consulate of the destination country in Italy issues its clearance for entry.
Some countries also ask for translations, apostilles or specific certificates. We check the requirements of the destination before submitting the documents.
Timing and related documents
Timing
The issue times depend on the municipality and on the documents already available. They usually range from a few days to around ten days.
Related documents
The death certificate, also in multilingual format, is often needed for the mortuary passport and for formalities in the destination country.
Request a quote
Tell us where the death occurred and where the body or the urn needs to go. We will call you back as soon as possible to explain timing, documents and costs.
If it is urgent, call us now, at any time:
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions families ask us most often. For your specific situation, call us: we answer at any time.
Related guides
How do I apply for a mortuary passport?
The funeral director usually applies to the municipality on behalf of the family. We prepare the application and all the attachments.
Which certificates are needed?
Usually the death certificate, the health authority certificate on the coffin and preservation treatment, the burial authorisation and, in case of violent death, the clearance of the judicial authority.
How long is it valid?
It is issued for a specific transport and travels with the coffin until it arrives. If the destination or the date changes, the documents may need to be updated.
Is a mortuary passport needed for the UK or the US?
These countries did not sign the Berlin Agreement. The municipality issues the authorisation for transport abroad, and the documents required by the destination country are added.
In which language is it issued?
It is issued in Italian. Some municipalities also issue it in English, and some destinations require a translation.