How to Arrange Burial in Israel From Overseas
A step-by-step guide for Jewish families planning from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and elsewhere.
Arranging burial in Israel from overseas involves more than choosing a cemetery. A family may need to coordinate a local funeral home, a chevra kadisha, an airline, the nearest Israeli consulate and the burial society in Israel—often within a very short period.
This guide explains the process in plain language so that families can prepare responsibly. Requirements differ according to the country of death, the person’s residency status, the airline and the cemetery. Procedures can also change, so confirm every urgent case with the relevant authorities and professionals before making travel or financial commitments.
Can someone who lived overseas be buried in Israel?
Yes. Jewish families around the world regularly arrange burial in Israel for relatives who lived and died abroad. Israeli citizenship is not always required, but a non-resident should not assume that the burial plot or related services will be covered by Israel’s National Insurance Institute.
Eligibility, available cemetery locations and charges depend on the individual circumstances. The National Insurance Institute explains that burial-expense coverage generally applies to someone who dies in Israel and is buried in Israel, and to an Israeli resident who dies abroad. Families of an Israeli resident who dies overseas may need a residency certificate for the burial society. A person who is not an Israeli resident will normally need a privately arranged plot and may face transportation, permit and coordination charges.
Families comparing locations can review our pages about burial at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem, burial on Har HaZeitim and burial plots in Beit Shemesh.
The burial-in-Israel process: step by step
- Confirm the person’s wishes and the preferred location.
Determine whether arrangements were made in advance and look for a deed, reservation, contract or contact information. If no plot has been reserved, decide which city or cemetery the family would prefer and establish a realistic budget. - Contact the receiving cemetery or burial society in Israel.
Ask whether a suitable plot is available and whether the organisation is authorised and able to receive a deceased person arriving from overseas. Obtain written confirmation of the plot, costs, inclusions and the contact person responsible for airport and burial coordination. - Notify a local Jewish funeral home or chevra kadisha.
A funeral director experienced in international transfers can help obtain local documents, prepare the deceased according to applicable rules, arrange the coffin and liaise with the airline. Tell the funeral home from the beginning that the destination is Israel. - Contact the nearest Israeli consulate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles applications for permission to transfer a deceased person to Israel. The consulate will explain which originals, translations, authentication or additional medical documents apply in the country where the death occurred. - Prepare the required documentation.
The exact file varies by jurisdiction. Common requirements include an official death certificate, medical confirmation of the cause of death, identity documents, evidence that preparation and sealing comply with local and Israeli requirements, and written confirmation from the receiving burial organisation in Israel. - Arrange air transportation.
Human remains are normally transported through an airline’s cargo operation rather than as ordinary passenger baggage. The funeral director or specialist shipper coordinates the flight, airway bill and cargo requirements. Do not purchase family tickets around an assumed arrival time until the cargo booking and permits are confirmed. - Coordinate arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
The Israeli burial society or its authorised representative generally handles release, any applicable customs or Ministry of Health charges, transportation from the airport and the burial permit. Ensure that the overseas funeral home and Israeli contact exchange documents before departure. - Confirm the levaya and family arrangements.
Once arrival and release are confirmed, the receiving organisation can coordinate the expected burial time. Relatives should allow for possible changes caused by flight schedules, documentation, Shabbat, Jewish holidays or operational delays.
Documents commonly requested
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official service page for transferring a deceased person to Israel identifies documentation such as an official death certificate issued by the local authorities, appropriate authentication and translation, a physician’s certificate stating the cause of death, and confirmation from the competent local authority concerning preparation of the deceased. Additional declarations or permits may be required.
Working document checklist
- Official death certificate
- Medical certificate stating the cause of death
- Passport or other identification of the deceased
- Authentication and certified translation when requested
- Preparation, preservation or embalming certificate if applicable
- Coffin-sealing or shipment certificate if required
- Israeli consular authorisation
- Written acceptance from the Israeli cemetery or burial society
- Airway bill and airline cargo documents
- Proof of Israeli residency when National Insurance eligibility is being claimed
- Plot deed, reservation or purchase confirmation
Important: This is a planning checklist, not a universal legal list. Do not obtain, translate or authenticate documents solely from a general online checklist. Follow the case-specific instructions of the Israeli consulate, funeral director, airline and receiving burial society.
Choosing a cemetery and burial plot
The right cemetery is a personal decision. Some families prioritise Jerusalem because of its spiritual and historical significance. Others choose Beit Shemesh because relatives live nearby, access is convenient or adjoining plots may be available. Availability can vary between sections even within the same cemetery.
Before paying for a plot, ask for:
- The cemetery name, section and plot identification
- Whether the burial is in-ground, multi-level or another approved format
- Whether an adjacent plot can be reserved for a spouse or relative
- Who legally issues the deed or confirmation
- Exactly which services are included in the quoted price
- Which transportation, permit, release, burial and monument costs are additional
- Whether any deadlines, conditions or future maintenance obligations apply
For a broader comparison, see our guide to burial costs in Israel and our overview of burial options in Jerusalem.
What does burial in Israel from overseas cost?
There is no single total price. The final cost may include the burial plot, the overseas funeral home, preparation and coffin requirements, translations or authentication, airline cargo, Israeli airport release, permits, ground transportation, burial services and the eventual matzeivah.
The National Insurance Institute notes that a chevra kadisha may charge certain costs connected with a deceased person arriving from abroad, including airport-related customs expenses and burial-permit handling. Its coverage rules are different for Israeli residents and non-residents. Families should therefore request itemised written quotations on both sides of the journey.
Prices and availability can change. Treat online figures as an initial guide and obtain current written confirmation before making a decision.
Planning in advance versus arranging after a death
Advance planning
Advance planning gives a person time to choose a location, compare options, discuss wishes with relatives and keep documents together. A couple may be able to arrange adjacent plots. The family can identify the correct contacts before an urgent situation arises.
Arranging following a death
When no advance arrangements exist, the same process may need to happen quickly. The family should appoint one person to coordinate decisions and one person to maintain a written record of documents, payments, contact names and flight information. This reduces duplicated calls and conflicting instructions.
Information to leave with your family
- Your preference concerning burial in Israel
- The chosen cemetery and plot documentation, if already arranged
- The burial society’s contact information
- Your rabbi and local chevra kadisha details
- The location of passports, identity records and relevant certificates
- The name of the relative authorised to coordinate arrangements
- How anticipated costs are intended to be paid
Timing, Shabbat and Jewish holidays
Jewish tradition gives importance to timely burial, but an international transfer involves legal and transportation requirements that must be completed properly. Flights can change, cargo facilities operate on particular schedules, and Israeli offices may have reduced hours before Shabbat and holidays.
Families should avoid announcing a final levaya time until the Israeli coordinator confirms that the flight has arrived, the documents have been accepted and release is proceeding. Rabbinic guidance should be sought whenever timing or another halachic question arises.
Common mistakes families can avoid
- Booking flights before the receiving cemetery has accepted the case
- Assuming one country’s document list applies everywhere
- Assuming Israeli National Insurance will cover a non-resident’s arrangements
- Accepting a price without asking what is excluded
- Failing to verify the precise cemetery section and burial format
- Leaving all information with only one relative
- Publishing a burial time before airport release is confirmed
Official resources
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Application to transfer a deceased person for burial in Israel
- National Insurance Institute: A person who died abroad and is brought to Israel for burial
- National Insurance Institute: Eligibility for burial-expense coverage
- National Insurance Institute: Services for which a burial society may charge
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-Israeli citizen be buried in Israel?
In many circumstances, yes, subject to cemetery availability, acceptance by the burial organisation, documentation and payment arrangements. A non-resident should confirm the applicable costs and requirements before proceeding.
Who arranges transportation to Israel?
A local funeral home or specialist international shipper normally coordinates the overseas preparation and airline cargo booking. A receiving burial society or authorised representative handles the Israeli side, including airport release and ground transportation.
How long does the process take?
There is no guaranteed timetable. Timing depends on the country of death, document issuance, consular approval, flight availability, Israeli release procedures, Shabbat and holidays. The professionals handling the specific case can provide the most reliable estimate.
Can burial in Israel be arranged in advance?
Yes. Many people choose a cemetery and purchase or reserve a plot during their lifetime. Advance planning should include written documentation and clear instructions for relatives.
Does Israeli National Insurance cover the burial?
Coverage depends largely on residency and the circumstances. Israeli residents who die abroad may qualify under National Insurance rules, while overseas non-residents should generally expect private costs. Confirm eligibility directly with the National Insurance Institute.
Can spouses obtain adjacent plots?
Sometimes, depending on the cemetery and current availability. If proximity is important, it is best to ask about two identified adjoining plots and obtain the arrangement in writing.
Need help understanding burial options in Israel?
Land of Israel Burials helps overseas Jewish families understand cemetery availability, documentation, costs and the coordination process with clarity and dignity.
Reviewed: September 2026. This page provides general information and is not legal, medical or halachic advice. Requirements and costs can change. Confirm current instructions with the relevant consulate, authorities, funeral home, rabbi and licensed burial society.
