If you choose to have your loved one’s final resting place outside of Texas or in another country, there are important guidelines to follow, and some additional fees may apply. The funeral director will help guide you through the process and make the necessary arrangements.
We hope this information helps you make decisions about your loved one’s final resting place. If you need further information or have any questions, please consult your spiritual leader, funeral director, or social worker. You can also reach out to the Grief Support Team at GriefSupport@texaschildrens.org.
Guidelines for Transporting Your Loved One to Another Country
Transporting your loved one for burial outside the United States requires coordination between you, your social worker, the consulate, and the funeral homes involved. Before transportation can occur, the consulate of the country where your loved one will be buried must be notified.
Several documents need to be notarized by the consulate, and typically, the funeral director will handle taking the necessary paperwork to the consulate for notarization. These documents may include:
Death certificate
Certificate of embalming
Letter from the attending doctor or forensic doctor stating the cause of death
Transit permit for the airline of choice
Additionally, anyone traveling out of the country will need to have a valid passport and visa, where applicable.
Guidelines for Transporting Your Loved One to Another State
Each state has its own rules and guidelines for transporting the deceased. Typically, the body will need to be moved directly from one funeral home to another. Your funeral director will assist you in ensuring that all rules and guidelines are met for the state to which your loved one is being transported.
Air Transport
Air transport may be used when your loved one is being transported to another state or country for burial.
Airlines may require the casket to be sealed shut before transport can occur. Fees for transporting a casket vary by airline and are typically based on the weight of the casket.
The casket will be treated as air cargo. When booking, you do not need to purchase a ticket for the casket. Instead, you will make a reservation through the airline’s cargo department (international or domestic, depending on your destination).
Keep in mind that flight availability may be limited, and there may be limited space for air cargo. Most airlines transport only one casket per flight.
Personal Transport (Mexico Only)
If you choose to transport your loved one to Mexico, you may do so yourself. However, the Mexican Consulate must be notified prior to transport.
Your loved one’s body must be embalmed and placed in a casket or an approved transport container.
You will need a vehicle large enough to carry the casket or container (e.g., a van, station wagon, or truck with a camper top).
You will need to provide the funeral home in Houston with the name of the funeral home and cemetery in Mexico.
Be sure to travel with all necessary documents, including:
Certificate of death
Certificate of embalming
Consulate-specific documents
The Mexican Consulate requires 1-2 business days to process paperwork, so please plan accordingly. The consulate’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For assistance, contact the Mexican Consulate in Houston at 713-217-6800.