Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust: How KBRT Helps Bring Irish Loved Ones Home

When a Death Happens Abroad

When an Irish citizen dies overseas — or a family wants to bring a deceased emigrant home for burial — the logistics are complex and the costs are high. International repatriation typically runs between €3,000 and €8,000 or more, depending on the country, the airline, and the preparation required.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) exists specifically to help families navigate this process. Named after Kevin Bell, a 26-year-old from Newry who died in a hit-and-run in New York in 2013, the trust has since assisted hundreds of families across all 32 counties.

What KBRT Provides

KBRT offers two forms of support:

Financial assistance — the trust covers or contributes toward the costs of repatriating the remains. This includes embalming, the zinc-lined coffin required for international air transport, shipping fees, and associated documentation.

Logistical coordination — the trust has established relationships with funeral directors, embassies, and airlines worldwide. They help families who are overwhelmed by the bureaucratic requirements of shipping a body across international borders.

KBRT operates on a 32-county basis — it serves families in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Claw-Back Policy

One detail families should understand upfront: KBRT operates a claw-back arrangement. If the family subsequently raises sufficient funds independently — through a memorial campaign, insurance payout, or employer death benefit — they are expected to return the financial award to the trust so it can support other bereaved families.

This is not punitive. It reflects the trust's operating model as a revolving fund. The money returned goes directly toward the next family in crisis.

Physical Requirements for Repatriation

International transport of human remains involves strict protocols:

• Full arterial embalming certified to British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) standards
• A hermetically sealed, zinc- or lead-lined inner coffin placed within a wooden outer coffin suitable for cargo transport
• Consular mortuary certificates, local death certificates, and funeral director affidavits accompanying the shipment
• Transit permits from both the originating and receiving countries

If the deceased died of a highly infectious disease, local public health authorities may restrict repatriation entirely, and direct cremation at the place of death may be required.

Transporting Cremated Remains

If the deceased was cremated abroad and the family wants to bring the ashes to Ireland, the requirements are different but still specific:

• A certificate from the crematorium confirming the cremation
• A TSA-compliant, non-metallic urn that can pass through airport security X-ray scanners (metal urns show as opaque and may be opened)
• The ashes should be carried as hand luggage — posting cremated remains via An Post is strictly prohibited in Ireland

Airlines have varying policies on carrying urns in the cabin. Check with the specific airline before travelling.

The Department of Foreign Affairs

When an Irish citizen dies abroad, the nearest Irish embassy or consulate can provide consular assistance. They can help with:

• Contacting the local authorities and funeral directors
• Arranging the translation and authentication of local death certificates
• Liaising with KBRT if the family needs financial support

The embassy cannot pay for the repatriation directly, but they can facilitate the administrative process and connect the family with the right organisations.

Costs Families Should Budget For

Beyond the core repatriation fee, additional costs can include:

• Local embalming and coffin preparation abroad: varies widely by country
• Airline cargo fees for the coffin: vary by origin, airline, and route
• Documentation, translations, and consular certificates: vary by country and document requirements
• Funeral director fees in Ireland upon arrival: standard Irish rates apply

International repatriation typically ranges from €3,000 to €8,000 or more, depending on the country, airline, and preparation required. KBRT's intervention can make the difference between bringing a loved one home and accepting a burial abroad.

For families coordinating a funeral in Ireland after repatriation — managing the compressed timeline, arranging the wake, and navigating parish scheduling — the Catholic Funeral Ireland guide covers the full planning process from the moment the remains arrive in Ireland through to the committal and Month's Mind Mass.