Whether your family wishes to send their body for burial or bring their ashes home, we take care of the consulate paperwork, the translations and the flight, so you can be with your family. We’re here day or night, in English or Spanish.
WE’RE HERE DAY OR NIGHT
Call us, and we’ll guide you through every step.
Questions are always free. Se habla español.
Arrangements in person: 3521 N. Pulaski Rd. · Directions
CALL (773) 866-2273 SEND US A MESSAGEWhen someone you love dies here in Chicago but their heart was always in Mexico, bringing them home matters. Shipping a loved one’s remains to Mexico, often called repatriation, also means documents in two languages, a visit to the Mexican Consulate and careful timing with the airline. We take care of each of those steps, explain everything in plain words, and keep you updated until your loved one is with your family in Mexico.
Every family is different. We’ll talk through both with you and help you choose what feels right.
FREE WRITTEN QUOTE
For families who wish to hold a funeral and burial in their hometown.
CREMATION FROM $997
For families who prefer cremation here and a memorial or burial of the urn in Mexico.
If family here would like to gather before your loved one travels, you can hold a visitation, a rosary or a funeral Mass in Chicago. Then we take care of the journey home.
You make one call. We take care of the rest and keep you updated at every step.
CALL (773) 866-2273We bring your loved one into our care right away, from home, the hospital, hospice or the medical examiner, and we talk through your wishes.
We file the death certificate and get the burial transit permit, the apostille from the Illinois Secretary of State and certified Spanish translations.
We take everything to the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago for the transit certificate (visado) that lets your loved one enter Mexico. The consulate does this for free.
We book the flight and coordinate with the funeral home in Mexico that will receive your loved one. For ashes, we prepare the urn and the papers you’ll carry.
We follow the flight and stay in touch until your loved one is safely with the funeral home or your family.
We prepare, translate and file all of these for you. The list is here so you know what to expect.
| Document | Body | Ashes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified death certificate, with apostille and Spanish translation | ||
| Burial transit permit, with Spanish translation | ||
| Embalming certificate | – | |
| Cremation certificate | – | |
| Transit certificate (visado) from the Mexican Consulate, free of charge | ||
| Mexican death certificate from the consulate Only when going to or through Mexico City or the State of Mexico | If needed | If needed |
Requirements can change, and a consulate may ask for something extra. We confirm the current list with the consulate for every family. Based on the requirements published by the Consulates of Mexico (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores).
The Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago offers families free guidance, and the transit certificate costs nothing. In cases of proven financial need, the consulate may be able to help with part of the cost. We’re glad to explain how to ask.
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“Caring cremations was amazing when I lost my wife. … there was zero awkward and insulting upsell (which everyone warned me about). In fact, I called and asked questions, then still made the arrangements online. Very straightforward.”
“Every interaction with him or his staff was professional and compassionate. They made the process feel effortless. … Having prices posted on their website for the different services let me know what to expect for final cost.”
“They were wonderful. Very professional, yet caring. You hear stories about your money being taken, not the case here, felt very comfortable every step of the way.”
“Caring cremations is #1 for caring and affordable cremation services. They completed services for my father in 2020 and just completed cremations for my mother in July of 2026. A family business, they are caring and professional.”
Caring Cremations is a small, family-owned team. We care for every family as if it were our own.
Milos
Owner & Funeral Director
Vivian
Director of Family Services
Gary
Lead Funeral Director
Armando
Funeral Director Apprentice
Joel
Senior Care Specialist
Claudia
Family Care Specialist
It depends on whether you choose to send their body or their ashes, the airport closest to their hometown, and the casket or urn you choose. We’ll give you a clear written quote before anything is decided. Bringing ashes home usually costs much less, and the consulate’s transit certificate is free.
Timing depends on how quickly the doctor or medical examiner signs the death certificate, the consulate’s schedule and flight availability. We’ll give you a realistic timeline on our first call and let you know as each step is done.
Yes, many families do. Airport security needs to see inside the urn on the X-ray, so we’ll help you choose an urn that passes screening, and we’ll give you the documents to show at the airport and to Mexican customs. It’s a good idea to let your airline know ahead of time.
When sending a body, yes. A funeral home in Mexico meets your loved one at the airport and takes them to the service and the cemetery. If your family doesn’t have one in mind, tell us the town and we’ll help you find one.
Of course. You can gather at our Chicago funeral home for a visitation or a prayer service before your loved one travels home. We’ll plan the timing around the flight.
Mexico requires the name on the U.S. death certificate to match their Mexican ID or birth certificate exactly. Tell us about any second last name, nickname or spelling difference when we first talk, and we’ll make sure the death certificate is right from the start.
It registers your loved one’s death in Mexico, and the Mexican Consulate issues it. It’s required when they’re going to or through Mexico City or the State of Mexico, and it can help your family with legal matters in Mexico later, such as an inheritance. We’ll tell you if you need it and help you request it.
The consulate offers free guidance, and the transit certificate is free. In cases of proven financial need, it may help with part of the cost. You can call the consulate at (312) 738-2383, and we’re glad to explain the process.
We serve families throughout Chicago and the suburbs in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will and Kane counties. If your loved one passed away somewhere else, call us and we’ll explain how to begin.
Yes. Each country has its own rules, so call us and we’ll explain what’s needed for the country your loved one is going to.
