Israel sees British deaths among tourists visiting the country’s historical and religious sites, business travellers, and the British-Israeli community. Religious considerations play a more significant role here than in most other origins, particularly where the deceased or the family follows Orthodox Jewish practice. This guide answers the questions UK families ask after a death in Israel.
For the full process and embassy detail, see our complete guide to repatriation from Israel. This article focuses on the practical questions.
Religious considerations and embalming
Orthodox Jewish law objects to embalming and to post-mortems unless legally required. Where a death is sudden or unexplained, Israeli law may require a forensic examination regardless of religious preference, and the family cannot prevent this. For an expected natural death, a coordinator with experience of Jewish repatriation can explore whether a refrigerated sealed container meets the airline’s requirements as an alternative to embalming.
Families sometimes face the additional question of whether to bury in Israel. A burial there carries religious and communal significance. Repatriation to the UK allows more family members to be present and to visit the grave over time.
The Ministry of Health permit and documentation
The death certificate is issued by the Ministry of Interior and is in Hebrew, requiring certified translation. The Ministry of Health issues the export permit. These documents, alongside the embalming certificate and British Embassy paperwork, form the export pack.
Timelines and direct flights
Israel has regular direct flights to the UK from Ben Gurion Airport, which means cargo scheduling is straightforward once the documentation is assembled. The main timeline variable is whether a forensic examination is ordered and how long it takes to conclude.
For further guidance, see our articles on Jewish repatriation requirements and tahara and documents needed to repatriate a body to the UK.