Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Iran
This guide explains what happens after a death in Iran, 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 Iran: The First 24 Hours
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). Do not wait. The British Embassy Tehran is operational and can be reached on +98 21 6405 2000.
Before doing anything else, establish one critical fact: was the deceased also an Iranian national? Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If the person held Iranian as well as British nationality, Iranian authorities will treat them solely as an Iranian citizen. The British Embassy’s ability to provide consular access in these cases is significantly restricted, this is not a formality, it is a fundamental constraint on what can be achieved.
British-Iranian Dual Nationals
If the deceased was a British-Iranian dual national, the FCDO will give direct guidance on what consular support is realistically available. In these cases, a specialist repatriation firm with strong established local contacts in Iran becomes even more important than in a standard case.
The Legal Process
Death registration goes through the State Organisation for Civil Registration (SABTE AHVAL). The SABTE AHVAL issues the official death certificate in Persian (Farsi). Where death was not from natural causes, the Medical Legal Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) must issue clearance before the body can be released. This step can add significant time.
The Ministry of Interior issues the export permit once all supporting documents are in place.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (Persian/Farsi) | State Organisation for Civil Registration (SABTE AHVAL) | Certified translation required |
| Medical Legal Organisation clearance | Pezeshki Qanuni (non-natural deaths) | |
| Embalming certificate | Licensed mortuary | |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Ministry of Health | |
| Export permit | Ministry of Interior | |
| Consular death registration | British Embassy, Tehran | Subject to dual-national limitations |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Islamic Burial and Timing
Iran is approximately 98% Muslim, predominantly Shia. Islamic law requires burial within 24 hours. Where the family in the UK wishes to repatriate, this must be communicated within hours. Timelines from Iran typically run 14 to 56 days.
Sanctions and Financial Transactions
UK and international sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme affect financial transactions with Iranian entities. Engage a specialist firm that has established compliance procedures: do not attempt to make direct payments to Iranian parties without specialist guidance.
What to Do in the UK
Notify your travel insurer immediately. Note that many policies exclude Iran given the FCDO travel advisory. Gather all available travel documents, passport copies, and any 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 Embassy Tehran 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 Iran 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 Iran 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 Iran 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 | Iran 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 Iran
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from Iran to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Iran
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing your loved one home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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 .
Official lists for Iran
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Iran · Frequently asked questions