Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Afghanistan to the Netherlands
For families bringing someone home to the Netherlands. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Afghanistan to the Netherlands: what to expect
Afghan nationals form a community in the Netherlands, with significant numbers who arrived in waves following periods of conflict. This corridor handles cases where a Netherlands-based Afghan has a family member die in Afghanistan and needs remains brought to the Netherlands. Specialist coordination is essential given the situation in Afghanistan since 2021.
- Key document: Death certificate (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The Netherlands Embassy in Kabul can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Afghanistan
Repatriation from Afghanistan begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 119, then registering the death with the Local civil registration authority and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 14-28 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Local authorities, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to the Netherlands as air cargo. A funeral director in the Netherlands then takes custody. The full process most often takes 4-8 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Afghanistan to the Netherlands
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the Netherlands: +31 70 348 6486).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Local civil registration authority. Local authorities may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Netherlands Embassy in Kabul notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to the Netherlands
Once all documentation complete. Netherlands cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Netherlands funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Netherlands
When the body arrives in the Netherlands
The Dutch funeral director (begrafenisondernemer or uitvaartondernemer) takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Rotterdam The Hague (RTM) cargo terminal. The local gemeente (municipality) registers the death with the Burgerlijke Stand (civil registry). A transport permit (laissez-passer) must accompany the remains. Foreign documents in languages other than Dutch, English, French, or German require certified translation. (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Dutch Embassy in Kabul can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Netherlands. Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +31 70 348 6486 (24 hours). The Dutch Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Afghanistan to the Netherlands
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Afghanistan to the Netherlands takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 3-6 months or longer.
The core documents are: Death certificate (certified English translation required), Local authority clearance, Exit permit, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Netherlands Embassy in Kabul can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Netherlands Embassy in Kabul as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Dutch funeral director takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local gemeente registers the death with the Burgerlijke Stand. Documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the gemeente and health authorities.
Cremation is not available in Afghanistan. Full body repatriation is the only option. Significant practical difficulties apply given the current situation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Afghanistan, 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 to the Netherlands.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official government guidance (gov.uk) · Afghanistan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions