The regulations concerning the transport of bodies in Poland are governed by law. Usually, the formalities are handled by the funeral home based on a power of attorney granted by the person organizing the funeral. In special cases, such as transport over a distance exceeding 60 kilometers or international transport, additional permits and documents are required.
In the case of transport by road over a distance of less than 60 kilometers, a special permit is not required. The transport is carried out by a properly trained employee of the funeral home, and the vehicle must meet specific requirements such as: permanent and clear markings, separation of the driver’s cabin from the area designated for placing the body, devices to secure the coffin against shifting, a floor adapted for washing and disinfection, and space for storing disinfectants.
Proper transport guarantees no health or life hazards for bystanders and ensures due respect and dignity for the deceased.
The deceased cannot be transported in an ordinary car or an ambulance.
When the transport distance exceeds 60 kilometers, a permit must be obtained from sanitary services by submitting the appropriate application. The permit is issued by the district sanitary inspector. If the cause of death is unknown, an official document excluding infectious disease as the cause of death must be attached. In cases where the cause of death was an infectious disease, this fact must be reported to the sanitary inspector, who will recommend appropriate precautions.
No special permits are required for transporting an urn with ashes. It can be transported in a private car, with the only obligation being to show respect for the ashes of the deceased. The urn can also be transported by airplane, but this must be reported to the airline in advance, as they may have their own regulations in such cases.
In such cases, official procedures are much more complicated, so it is better to entrust all formalities to BONGO International Funeral Services, which organizes the transport of bodies to Poland and boasts over 60 years of experience, as well as knowledge of regulations and customs worldwide. Necessary documents include a death certificate translated into Polish, a certificate from the consul in the country where the death occurred, and the consent of the county governor (starosta) where the body is to be buried. The county governor issues this consent in agreement with the district sanitary inspector. If the death certificate does not state the cause of death, a certificate confirming that the death did not result from an infectious disease is also required.
The permit to bring bodies from abroad is issued upon request of the closest family members and relatives. The applicant may also be a legal entity – for example, a company where the deceased was employed. All detailed regulations on this topic are available on government websites, and in case of doubts, it is best to consult the Polish consulate.
Sanitary regulations strictly prohibit opening the coffin after the bodies have been brought to the burial site.
Violation of regulations concerning the transport of bodies is treated very strictly by law and is punishable by a heavy fine or even imprisonment.
Transport by Country
An independent expert in the funeral industry, author of the blog Celebruj Wspomnienia (“Celebrate Memories”), and editor-in-chief of THANOS magazine — the official publication issued by the World Organization of Funeral Operatives FIAT-IFTA. She has written nearly one hundred articles and conducted dozens of interviews on topics related to trends, marketing, and the sale of funeral services. Katarzyna constantly follows developments in the industry, discovering innovations that transform the way funeral services are perceived. Her unique approach — combining insight, courage, and respect — attracts the attention of both professionals and those outside the field. She collaborates with market leaders, including Grupa KLEPSYDRA S.A.
Repatriating a deceased person to Poland is a process that for many families becomes a necessity in the event of the sudden death of a loved one abroad. Although this procedure may seem complicated, its duration depends on several key factors: the course of official formalities, the legal requirements of a given country, and the logistics of the transport itself. It is worth knowing how the entire process works.
More and more families, guided by the wishes of the Deceased or by their own convictions, are choosing farewells without religious symbolism. This form of ceremony allows one to focus on the life story, values, and relationships that shaped the everyday life of their loved one.
The death of a loved one is an experience that always comes too soon and requires that, within a short period of time, numerous formalities be completed. This guide was created to help you navigate this process step by step — from documents and organizational decisions to the logistics of the ceremony. With this guidance, preparing for the funeral can proceed more calmly, with the reassurance that every detail has been handled with respect and care.
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