Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Afghanistan
This guide explains what happens after a death in Afghanistan, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
When Someone Dies in Afghanistan: The First 24 Hours
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). This is the essential first step. The UK Embassy in Kabul has been closed since August 2021. The British High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan (+92 51 201 2000) is the consular post that handles British national cases in Afghanistan.
Be honest with the FCDO about the specific location of death. Whether repatriation is currently achievable depends entirely on the security situation in that exact area. Some locations will not be accessible. The FCDO will provide direct guidance.
The Legal Context
Civil administration in Afghanistan has been controlled by the Taliban government since August 2021. The UK does not formally recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Taliban-controlled civil authorities issue death certificates and, in cases where repatriation has proceeded, export permits.
Very few specialist repatriation firms maintain active Afghanistan capability as of 2026. Before engaging any firm, confirm directly that they have current in-country operations, not a historic presence from before 2021.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Taliban-controlled civil authority | Dari/Pashto: translation required |
| Cause of death documentation | Local authority | |
| Embalming certificate | Mortuary (Kabul or major city) | Where available |
| Export permit | Taliban Ministry of Interior | |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, Islamabad | Subject to current capability |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Islamic Burial and Timing
Afghanistan is almost entirely Muslim. Islamic law requires burial within 24 hours. Where a family in the UK wishes to repatriate, this must be communicated within hours of learning of the death. A specialist firm experienced in Islamic burial protocols will handle the conversation with local representatives.
Timelines for Afghanistan are highly variable: 28 to 120 days where repatriation is achievable. In some cases, repatriation may not be achievable for an extended period or at all.
What to Do in the UK
Notify your travel insurer immediately: most policies require immediate notification. Note that some travel policies exclude Afghanistan given the FCDO advisory against all travel. Gather all available travel documents, passport copies, and information about the circumstances of death.
For more information on the full repatriation process, read our complete guide to what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO, Support for British Nationals Abroad, updated 2024. British High Commission Islamabad contact details correct as of May 2026.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in Afghanistan will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from Afghanistan requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Afghanistan alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | Afghanistan paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for Afghanistan
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
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If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from Afghanistan to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Afghanistan · Frequently asked questions