The loss of a loved one is never easy. When they pass in a different country, grief comes with special considerations, such as the shipping of remains. Bronx Funeral Home understands the intricacies of sending your loved one's remains to the Dominican Republic. Our goal is to provide you with compassionate support and clear guidance every step of the way. We appreciate the importance of your cultural traditions and work with you to honor them.

Human Remains Shipping Prices

Below, you will find three basic options for our human remains shipping services, each designed to accommodate different needs and preferences. Please keep in mind that the quoted estimates do not include the cost of a casket, which we can provide separately:

1. Full Visitation and Funeral Mass

The "novenario," or nine days of mourning, is a cornerstone of Dominican funeral traditions. This period is a sacred time for prayer, reflection and communal gathering. Novenario is a powerful expression of faith, believed to guide the souls of the departed while providing spiritual strength to those left behind.

At Bronx Funeral Home, we recognize the significance of these rituals in bringing closure. We support families in observing them with reverence and respect. Our full visitation option aligns with the initial phase of this novenario. It provides a dignified space at our funeral home for the wake, or velorio, and religious service that precedes the traditional nightly prayers. We understand that Catholicism plays a central role in Dominican life. Our ability to facilitate a traditional Catholic service honors deeply held religious beliefs, providing a sacred space for farewells.

This full visitation and funeral mass option includes all necessary arrangements. We take care of removal from the place of death, preparation of the deceased, transportation, clergy fees and airfare for shipping. The total cost is $12,910.

2. Visitation Without Funeral Mass 

Our visitation package upholds the Dominican tradition of remembrance, without a formal religious ceremony. This option offers a more personalized approach. It allows family and friends to gather and pay their respects in an intimate setting.

Similar to the full visitation and funeral mass option, this package includes all necessary arrangements for the care and transportation of your loved one. The total cost is $11,320.

3. Direct Shipping Only:

This option provides a simple approach for families who prefer to hold the wake and funeral mass in the Dominican Republic. It focuses solely on shipping your loved one's remains. After you complete the necessary paperwork, we will transport the deceased to their final destination. We handle all the necessary arrangements for the preparation and transportation of your loved one. The total cost is $10,645.

Our Complimentary Services

The Dominican culture has rich customs for honoring deceased loved ones. Beyond our standard services, we offer the following complimentary additions that uphold these traditions:

  • Virtual visitation: The Dominican belief of “cumplir” obligates those who had a relationship with the deceased to attend the funeral. This concept is both a moral duty and a profound act of respect. Our virtual Zoom visitation service helps to preserve cumplir. It allows family and friends to participate remotely, offering comfort and connection during a difficult time. Whether due to distance, health concerns or personal preference, virtual visitation provides a way to be present and share memories without physical limitations.
  • Memorial webpage: We will create a dedicated memorial webpage on our website. This page serves as a digital “shrine,” a modern adaptation of the traditional Dominican home altar, where loved ones can leave messages and tributes. It ensures that the memory of the deceased is continuously honored and shared within the wider community, regardless of geographical distance.
  • Photo slideshow: Upload your cherished photos to our secure Dropbox link, and we will create a beautiful presentation for display during the gathering.

These complimentary services are our way of extending our support and creating a meaningful experience that honors the memory of your loved one.

Consulate Requirements for Shipping Remains to the Dominican Republic

Please note that individual consulates may have specific requirements regarding caskets and shipping containers that could affect the overall process and costs. We will verify regulations with the relevant consulate to avoid any potential delays or additional expenses.

Shipping remains to the Dominican Republic also requires specific documents:

  1. The original death certificate
  2. Transit permit
  3. Transport authorization letter from the next of kin
  4. Noncontagious disease certificate

Why Trust Us to Ship Your Loved One's Remains?

Bronx Funeral Home has served New York families with caring funeral services for over 150 years. We understand that the Dominican culture places immense value on family and community, especially during times of loss. Our personalized funeral home services facilitate these vital cultural expressions. Through thoughtful details, we preserve the profound connections that define Dominican life.

Take the Next Step Toward Honoring Your Loved One

As you navigate this challenging time, we want to assure you that you are not alone. Our team will provide you with the support and guidance needed to honor your loved one’s memory with care and respect. If you have any questions about our shipping options, consulate requirements or the documentation needed, please reach out to us today.