Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Iraq
This guide explains what happens after a death in Iraq, 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 Iraq: The First 24 Hours
Call the FCDO immediately on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). If the death occurred in Baghdad or central/southern Iraq, they will connect you with the British Embassy Baghdad (+964 790 192 6280). If in the Kurdistan Region, contact the British Consulate General Erbil (+964 750 444 7101). Do not wait.
The FCDO can confirm the current security situation in the specific area, advise on what documentation is required, and provide guidance on which specialist repatriation firms are currently operating in Iraq.
The Legal Process
Death in Iraq is registered with the Civil Status Directorate (Mudiriyyat al-Ahwal al-Madaniyyah). The Directorate issues the official death certificate, which is the foundation document for the entire repatriation process. Where the death was not from natural causes, the Medico-Legal Directorate must issue clearance before the body can be released.
The Ministry of Interior issues the export permit once all supporting documents are in place.
All documents are in Arabic (or Kurdish in the Kurdistan Region) and require certified English translation before any UK authority will accept them.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Civil Status Directorate | Arabic/Kurdish: translation required |
| Medico-Legal clearance | Medico-Legal Directorate | Required if not natural causes |
| Embalming certificate | Licensed local mortuary | |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Ministry of Health | |
| Export permit | Ministry of Interior | |
| Consular death registration | British Embassy Baghdad or Consulate Erbil | |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Islamic Burial and Timing
Iraq is approximately 97% Muslim. Islamic law requires burial within 24 hours. The family must communicate immediately that repatriation to the UK is intended. Islamic scholars permit delay for repatriation where the deceased’s family is based abroad. An experienced specialist firm will handle this sensitively. Timelines for repatriation from Iraq typically run 14 to 56 days.
What to Do in the UK
Notify your travel insurer as soon as possible: most policies require immediate notification. Gather original travel documents, passport copies, and any documentation about the circumstances of death. The FCDO will advise on registering the death through UK civil registration on return.
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 Baghdad and British Consulate General Erbil 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 Iraq 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 Iraq 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 Iraq 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 | Iraq 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 Iraq
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 Iraq to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Iraq
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 Iraq
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Funeral directors, for arranging local care and preparation
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Iraq · Frequently asked questions