Repatriation from Egypt

Allow 14-28 days for a straightforward case from Egypt. Where nothing is contested it can be done in 7-14 days (tourist area, straightforward death, experienced funeral director). Where a post-mortem or a police investigation has to conclude first, expect 6-12 weeks.

There is no standard figure, and quoting one before we know the case would be misleading. The cost of bringing someone home from Egypt 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.

Cremation is not practically available in Egypt. Cremation is NOT available in Egypt. There are no cremation facilities in the country. Islamic tradition prohibits cremation, and Egyptian law does not provide for it. Families wishing to cremate must repatriate the body and cremate in the UK or another country. Full body repatriation is the only option from Egypt. Cremation, if the family wants it, has to happen after the body is home. 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.

Embalming is required for international repatriation. Embalming is available in Egypt but quality varies significantly by location. Cairo has professional embalming facilities. In Red Sea resort towns (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh), embalming facilities exist but may not meet European standards. Luxor and Upper Egypt have more basic facilities. Islamic tradition opposes embalming, so it is performed solely for repatriation purposes.

Variable. Private hospitals in Cairo are good (As-Salam International, Dar Al Fouad). Red Sea resort towns have hospitals accustomed to treating tourists but facilities are more basic than European standards. Hyperbaric chambers available in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada for diving accidents. Rural and Upper Egypt healthcare is basic.

Egypt requires: Egyptian death certificate (in Arabic), Official translation of death certificate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp on death certificate, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Police report, Passport of deceased (or copy), British Embassy letter (if applicable), Airline cargo documentation. Egyptian bureaucracy requires multiple office visits and stamps. All documentation is in Arabic and requires translation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp is essential for international validity. Red Sea tourist areas have local officials experienced with foreign national deaths who can simplify the process. Outside tourist areas, the process is slower and less predictable. Political instability can affect government office operations intermittently. Documentation typically takes 7-14 days in tourist areas. Longer in Cairo or outside tourist zones. Most of this is gathered for you by the funeral director acting locally.

The British post covering Egypt is in Cairo. 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.

Body transported as human remains cargo on commercial flights. Cairo Airport (CAI) is the main international cargo hub. EgyptAir and British Airways both operate cargo services. Red Sea resort deaths (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) may be flown directly to the UK on charter routes with cargo capacity, or may require road transport to Cairo (4-6 hours from Hurghada, 7+ hours from Sharm el-Sheikh by road, or internal flight). Hurghada to Cairo: approximately 4-6 hours by road or 1-hour internal flight. Sharm el-Sheikh to Cairo: approximately 6-7 hours by road (through Sinai) or 1-hour internal flight. Luxor to Cairo: approximately 6-9 hours by road or 1-hour internal flight. Charter flights from Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh to UK airports (Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham) may have limited cargo capacity. Full-service EgyptAir from Cairo is the most reliable cargo route. Direct charter cargo from Red Sea resorts is possible but depends on operator and season.