Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Jordan
This guide explains what happens after a death in Jordan, 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.
Typical timeline
10-14 days
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
Jordan is one of the more efficient Middle East repatriations for UK families. The Civil Status and Passports Department processes registrations with reasonable speed, and Royal Jordanian operates direct cargo flights to Heathrow. The process becomes more complicated for unnatural deaths, where the Ministry of Interior takes jurisdiction.
Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Amman
The British Embassy in Amman must be notified on the day of death. Address: Abdoun, PO Box 87, Amman 11118. Phone: +962 6 590 9200. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The Embassy registers the death with UK authorities and provides current guidance on Jordanian government requirements. Do not wait until business hours for deaths requiring investigation.
Step 2: Civil Status and Passports Department registration
Deaths are registered at the Civil Status and Passports Department in the governorate where the death occurred. The Shahadat al-Wafah (death certificate) is the official document. Hospital deaths are typically registered by the hospital. For deaths at hotels or tourist sites, the local police or Civil Defence notify the Civil Status office.
Step 3: Ministry of Interior referral (unnatural deaths)
For all unnatural, violent, or suspicious deaths, the case is referred to the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor. The Prosecutor orders a post-mortem at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital in Amman. The body cannot be released for repatriation until the Prosecutor formally closes the investigation and issues a release order.
For deaths in Petra or Wadi Rum, local police secure the scene before transfer to Amman. Allow one to three days for this transfer in addition to the investigation timeline.
Step 4: Ministry of Health export permit
The Ministry of Health issues the export permit for human remains. Required documents: death certificate, Prosecutor’s release (for unnatural deaths), post-mortem report if applicable, embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease clearance. Allow three to five days for the permit once all documents are complete.
Step 5: Embalming
Embalming is required for international repatriation. Licensed mortuaries in Amman carry out the procedure. Embalming cannot proceed until the Prosecutor has released the body in investigated cases.
Step 6: Routing to the UK
Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) has a strong cargo infrastructure. Royal Jordanian operates direct flights to London Heathrow. Cargo booking proceeds once all export documentation is in place. British Airways also operates direct routes. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Jordan; Jordanian Personal Status Law; Ministry of Health export procedures (2023).
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 Jordan 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 Jordan 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?
Factors that can extend the timeline
- Unnatural deaths require Ministry of Interior referral and post-mortem at Jordan University Hospital forensic unit
- Ministry of Health export permit requires full documentation package
- Cremation not routinely available; Muslim tradition; non-Muslim cremation facilities limited
- Deaths in Wadi Rum or Petra area require transfer to Amman before official processes can begin
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Jordan 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 | Jordan 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 Jordan
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 Jordan to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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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 Jordan
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 Jordan · Frequently asked questions