Disposition of Remains
The following information is submitted in accordance with referenced requirements.
- Maximum Period Before Burial
There are no maximum periods before burial or embalming. The minimum period is 24 hours in both cases. Local law concerning exhumation states that remains can be disinterred after two years if interred in a grave, and one year if interred in a tomb. An autopsy has to be performed in case of death under suspicious circumstances. - Cremation:
Cremation is permitted by national law and presently there are two crematoria in Montevideo, located at Norte Cemetery. The firm Rogelio Martinelli S.A. is also informing us that as of July 2012 they will offer cremation services at their own Cemetery (Cemetery Parque Martinelli). A written expression of a desire to be cremated is required. However, in lieu of written expression, the NOK can testify to the specific wish of the deceased. - Caskets and Containers:
Caskets and urns are available locally. They are prepared according to international regulations and meet the requirements for shipment out of the country.
Exportation of Human Remains/Ashes:The following documents are required to export human remains or ashes:
- Official Death Certificate
- Authorization from the Health Department (Guía from Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo)
- Affidavit of person who witnessed exhumation and packing of remains or ashes
- Major Mortuaries used by American Citizens:
The funeral home with most experience in shipment of remains to the U.S. is:
Rogelio Martinelli S.A.
Canelones 1450
Montevideo, Uruguay CP 11200
Tel. (598 2) 908 7721-25
Fax (598 2) 900 6369
martinelli@adinet.com.uy
Rogelio@martinelli.com.uy
Other undertakers who are also reliable and have occasionally provided services to American citizens:
Forestier & Pose S.A.
Nueva Palmira 2199 esq. Cufré
Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel. (598 2) 409 6616
Fax (598 2) 402 0841
Luis Moro e Hijos S.A.
Ariel 4737 / Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel. (598 2) 359 3090
Fax (598 2) 355 9628
empmoro@adinet.com.uy
Road Hnos. Ltda.
Washington 264/68 / Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel. (598 2) 915 4801 / (598 2) 915 3565
Road1@adinet.com.uy
DISCLAIMER: The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by the above named firms. Names are listed at random and the order in which they appear has no other significance. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the funeral directors, morticians and other service providers.
Disposition of Remains Report
Local Interment without embalming
Undertakers:
Rogelio Martinelli S.A.
Canelones 1450 / Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel: (598 2) 908 7721/25 / Fax: (598 2) 906 369
Undertaker’s charges (including wooden casket, candles, vehicles, wake, documents chapel, etc.) $U 87,522.00 (USD 4,301.00)
Cremation charges (to be added to item 1) $U 7,188.00 (USD 353.00)
Undertaker’s fees (including conservation of corpse, medical fees, container with zinc interior and wooden exterior, documents, taxes and delivery up to airport) $U 109,890.00 (USD 5,400.00)
In-country transportation of remains
Mortuaries have their own hearses and they are the only authorized vehicles to transport human remains. Uruguay does not use embalming, they do proceed to conserve the corpse to be in accordance with international sanitary regulations.
Uruguay does not have a national law for the regulation of disposition of remains. Every Department can legislate in its own territory.
General aspects of the official regulation for Montevideo (Uruguay’s capital city) can be found in General Aspects of the Official Regulation for Montevideo (http://normativa.montevideo.gub.uy/indice/52796)
Shipment of Ashes to the U.S.
Air freight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles:
Up to 34 kgs.: USD390.00
more than 35kgs: USD 8,60/kg
(minimum: USD 390.00)
Shipment of Remains to the U.S.
Air freight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles:
Up to 227 kgs. : USD 1,925.00
More than 228 kgs.: USD 2,225.00
Expenses:
AWB fee: USD 75.00
Due Carrier: USD 15.00
A disbursement fee of USD 50,00 will be charged when payment is “collect”. Note: Charges are based on today’s official exchange rate.