What to do if someone dies in Tunisia

Tunisia is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. The main resort areas are Hammamet, Sousse, Port El Kantaoui, and Djerba. The country has three international airports serving UK routes: Tunis-Carthage (TUN), Monastir Habib Bourguiba (MIR), and Djerba-Zarzis (DJE). All documentation is in Arabic and requires certified translation for UK use.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Tunis

Address: Rue du Lac Windermere, Les Berges du Lac, Tunis 1053. Phone: +216 71 108 700. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Step 2: Officier d’Etat Civil registration

Deaths are registered by the Officier d’Etat Civil (registrar) in the municipality where the death occurred. In hospitals, the death certificate is initiated by the treating doctor. All documents are issued in Arabic.

Step 3: Parquet process (unnatural deaths)

For unnatural, violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths, the Parquet (Public Prosecutor’s Office) takes jurisdiction. This includes drowning deaths, road traffic deaths, and any unexplained deaths at resort properties. The Parquet may order a post-mortem at the Institut National de Medecine Legale (INML) in Tunis.

Deaths in Djerba, Sousse, or other resort areas that require INML examination must be transferred to Tunis. This transfer adds two to three days before forensic examination begins. For straightforward Parquet cases without INML referral, the body can be released from the local hospital; for INML cases, release follows the INML report.

Step 4: Certified Arabic translation

All official documents are in Arabic. UK funeral directors and authorities require certified English translations. Allow two to three working days for certified translation once all documents are available. Only use a translator with accreditation in Arabic-English legal and medical translation.

Step 5: Cremation is not available

Cremation is not available in Tunisia. Islamic law governs burial practice. No non-Muslim cremation facility exists in the country. Repatriation of the body is the only option.

Step 6: Ministere de la Sante export permit

The Ministere de la Sante (Ministry of Health) issues the export permit. Required documents: death certificate, Parquet release order (if unnatural death), INML post-mortem report (if conducted), embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease clearance, certified Arabic-to-English translations. Allow four to six working days for the permit.

Step 7: Routing to the UK

Tunisia has good direct access to UK airports. Tunisair operates from Tunis (TUN) and has scheduled services to several UK airports including London Heathrow and Manchester. Nouvelair and TUI Airways operate charter routes from Monastir and Djerba during the summer season. If the death occurs at a resort near Monastir or Djerba, cargo routing from the nearest airport is usually possible. Your specialist will advise on the most efficient route based on current flight schedules. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Tunisia; Tunisian Code of Personal Status; INML forensic procedures; British Embassy Tunis consular guidance (2023).