Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Afghanistan to Sweden
For families bringing someone home to Sweden. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Afghanistan to Sweden: what to expect
Afghan nationals and Swedish residents of Afghan heritage form a community across Swedish cities, with arrivals in several waves since the 1990s and accelerating following 2021. This corridor handles cases where a Sweden-based Afghan has a family member die in Afghanistan and needs remains brought to Sweden. The Swedish Embassy in Kabul closed in 2021; Swedish consular services for Afghanistan are handled via Islamabad. Specialist coordination is essential. (Swedish MFA, UD, 2025.)
- Key document: Death certificate (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The Sweden Embassy in Islamabad can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Afghanistan to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +46 8 405 50 05).
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
Sweden Embassy in Islamabad 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete. Sweden cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Afghanistan
After a death in Afghanistan, the family should contact the local emergency services on 119 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Local civil registration authority, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Local authorities takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Sweden as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 4-8 weeks from the death to arrival in Sweden.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Afghanistan to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Afghanistan to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Islamabad 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 Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available in Afghanistan. Full body repatriation is the only option. Significant practical difficulties apply given the current situation.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. The Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police) is informed if the death was violent or unexplained. Sweden is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Sweden.
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