Repatriation from Kos, Greece

The documentation required for repatriation from Kos is identical in structure to all Greek island repatriations — the same national law applies. What distinguishes Kos is its administrative proximity to Rhodes, which is the Dodecanese regional hub, and the fact that Kos International Airport (KGS) has direct UK charter flights during the summer season, creating an apparent but false shortcut that families sometimes pursue.

The documentation chain

1. Hellenic Police record. All deaths on Kos are reported to the Kos Police. The police attend, record, and refer to the prosecutor if investigation is required.

2. Prosecutor (Εισαγγελέας) determination. The relevant prosecutor for Kos is based in Rhodes. Sudden, unexplained, or traumatic deaths are referred to Rhodes. If an autopsy is ordered, the forensic pathologist at Rhodes General Hospital (Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ρόδου) may conduct it, which may require body transfer to Rhodes or a pathologist journey to Kos. Either way, add 2 to 7 days.

3. Death certificate from Kos Ληξιαρχείο. Issued by the Kos civil registry once the prosecutor releases the body. Certified copies required.

4. Export permit (άδεια εξαγωγής νεκρού). Issued by the Kos municipal authority.

5. Embalming certificate and zinc-lined coffin preparation. The licensed Kos funeral director prepares these.

6. Freedom from infection certificate.

These six documents must be complete before any transport can begin. The Athens Embassy can advise but cannot compel Greek authorities to accelerate the process.

Source: Hellenic Ministry of Interior, Civil Registry Procedures, 2024; Dodecanese Regional Authority, 2024.

The direct UK charter flight question

Kos has British charter flights in summer. These are passenger aircraft; they do not carry human remains as cargo. The route to the UK is: KGS to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) by domestic flight (approximately 55 minutes), then ATH to London Heathrow via British Airways cargo. Summer domestic flight frequency from Kos is high, which is one advantage compared to more remote Greek islands.

Timeline from Kos

• Natural death with no prosecutor: 7 to 14 days
• Prosecutor case (Rhodes): 14 to 28 days
• Body transfer to Rhodes for post-mortem: add 3 to 5 days

British consular contacts

The British Embassy in Athens (1 Ploutarchou Street, Kolonaki) covers Kos and all Dodecanese islands. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Key local considerations

Kos is a popular package holiday destination with a large British visitor contingent, particularly in Kardamena and Kos Town. Water sports, moped hire accidents, and alcohol-related incidents are disproportionately represented among repatriation cases from the island.

Moped accidents are a specific risk on Kos: the island has an extensive hire market and road conditions vary. Trauma deaths from moped accidents always require prosecutor referral.

For guidance on next steps, contact our team via our enquiry form or WhatsApp.

Information based on Hellenic Ministry of Interior civil registry guidance and FCDO Athens Embassy documentation. Last reviewed May 2026.