Transporting a Deceased Person by Road via Poland
Border Requirements for Overland Repatriation from Germany to Destination Countries
Transporting a deceased person by road from Germany to countries such as Syria, Iraq, Türkiye or the Balkan states is, for some families, a preferred option – either because it is less expensive than air transport, or because air transfer is not possible under certain emergency circumstances.
Since Poland is a key transit country on this route, it is important to understand the legal and logistical requirements for crossing the Polish border with human remains.
What are the basic requirements for transporting a body by road via Poland?
Leichenpass (mortuary passport / body transfer permit):
An official document issued by the German public health authority (Gesundheitsamt). It confirms that the body has been prepared in accordance with health regulations and authorises its export beyond German borders.
Official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde):
It should be translated into Polish or English and must bear the official stamps and seals of the civil registry office (Standesamt).
Certificate of hygienic sealing of the coffin (Versiegelungsbescheinigung):
This confirms that the coffin has been closed and sealed in line with European health and hygiene standards, and that it does not pose a risk to public health.
Statement from the funeral / repatriation company (Überführungsunternehmen):
A written statement issued by the company in charge of the transport, specifying:
the planned route,
the type of vehicle used,
the names and details of the persons accompanying the deceased.
Coffin suitable for international transport:
often a zinc-lined coffin (Zinksarg), that is, a coffin with an internal zinc shell hermetically sealed, or
a robust wooden coffin with an internal, leak-proof and, where necessary, insulated plastic body bag.
The coffin must be inspected and sealed by the Gesundheitsamt prior to departure.
Customs clearance document (Zollfreigabe):
This is sometimes required when transiting through Poland en route to a non-EU country (for example, Ukraine or Türkiye). It confirms to customs authorities that there are no prohibited items or customs violations associated with the remains or the coffin.
Specific requirements of the Polish authorities
| Polish authority | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) | Leichenpass, death certificate (Sterbeurkunde), information on escorting persons |
| Customs service (Służba Celna) | Customs transit documentation, proof of sealed coffin |
| Polish Ministry of Health (in special cases) | In cases of infectious or exceptional deaths, an additional health report from the German side may be required |
Is a special transit permit (Transitbescheinigung) necessary?
In most cases, Poland does not require a separate transit authorisation, provided that:
all German documents are complete and correct (especially Leichenpass and health certificate),
the transport / funeral company is duly registered in Germany or another EU member state,
the route is clearly specified (for example: Germany > Poland > Ukraine).
However, some funeral companies recommend obtaining a written transit confirmation from the Polish consulate in order to avoid delays at the border, especially during night-time crossings or on public holidays.
Important logistical notes:
It is strongly advisable to work with a company that has proven experience in international overland repatriations.
If the body is transported in a convoy or with several vehicles, the Polish border authorities should be informed in advance.
Some countries beyond Poland (such as Ukraine) may additionally require a “non-infectious” medical certificate issued by a recognised German hospital.
Conclusion
Transporting a deceased person by road via Poland from Germany to other destination countries requires careful preparation of all medical, customs, and logistical documents in accordance with EU regulations and Polish domestic law.
Early coordination with a professional repatriation company and the submission of complete documentation helps families avoid delays or refusals at the border and ensures that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect on their final journey home.
* The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may not be fully verified. The information presented in this article should therefore be treated as an initial point of reference only. For binding and authoritative advice, please always consult the competent authorities and official bodies.
