Funeral repatriation guidance
Repatriation from Cyprus
Timeline, process, and documentation for bringing a loved one home from Cyprus.
Bringing someone home to a particular country? Find the guide for your route or send us the details. We arrange repatriation to any country.
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Send us the detailsExpected timelines
How long does repatriation from Cyprus take?
Timelines depend on circumstances. Here is an honest guide to what to expect.
Factors that can extend the timeline
- Post-mortem investigation
- Death in Northern Cyprus (significantly complicates process)
- Sovereign Base Area complications
- Cypriot public holidays (Greek Orthodox Easter, independence day)
- August holiday period (reduced staffing)
Documentation
Documents required for repatriation from Cyprus
All of these must be obtained before air transport can take place.
- Cypriot death certificate (bilingual Greek/English)
- Embalming certificate
- Freedom from infection certificate
- Passport of deceased (or copy)
- Transit permit from Cypriot authorities
- Airline cargo documentation
Documentation typically takes 3-7 days to complete.
The process
Overview of the repatriation process from Cyprus
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
There is no standard figure, and quoting one before we know the case would be misleading. The cost of bringing someone home from Cyprus moves with the place of death, whether an investigation has to finish first, the paperwork required, and which flights carry remains on that route. Tell us what happened and we will come back with a figure, with no obligation.
Cyprus is a divided island. The Republic of Cyprus (south) is internationally recognised. Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, TRNC) is recognised only by Turkey. British nationals dying in Northern Cyprus face additional complications as UK consular services operate differently there.
Allow 7-14 days for a straightforward case from Cyprus. Where nothing is contested it can be done in 5-7 days. Where a post-mortem or a police investigation has to conclude first, expect 3-6 weeks.
The British post covering Cyprus is in Nicosia. What consular staff will do is register the death with UK authorities, give you a list of local funeral directors, and help you reach an insurer. What they cannot do is meet any cost, arrange the repatriation itself, or release the body. The FCDO 24 hour line is +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Cremation is available in Cyprus. Cremation has only recently become available in Cyprus. Facilities are limited. Families may find it more practical to repatriate the body and cremate in the UK. After a cremation abroad, ashes can normally be carried home to the UK in hand luggage, provided the cremation certificate travels with them; other countries set their own rules for bringing ashes in. If home is the UK, do not cremate abroad if a UK coroner may need to hold an inquest.
Call 112 or 199 for ambulance, 199 for police. A doctor must certify the death. If death occurs outside hospital, police will attend. Contact the British High Commission in Nicosia. For deaths in the British Sovereign Base Areas (Akrotiri and Dhekelia), British military authorities may be involved.
Route guides
Repatriation routes from Cyprus
Each route guide covers the documentation, timeline and process for one corridor from Cyprus, written for the family at the receiving end.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has passed away in Cyprus, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home, wherever home is.
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 · Embassy contacts: Cyprus · Frequently asked questions