Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Iran
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Australia to Iran: what to expect
Australian nationals in Iran include dual nationals visiting family and individuals with bilateral ties. The Australian Embassy in Tehran was suspended in 2012; Australian nationals requiring consular assistance in Iran should contact the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on 1300 555 135 (from Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas). Australian death certificates require certified Farsi translation and authentication by the Iranian Embassy in Canberra. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (DFAT Smartraveller: Iran, 2025; Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Canberra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Iran Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death is certified by a registered medical practitioner. The death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Australia is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The registration process is straightforward; the coroner's release is the main cause of delay in complex cases. The British High Commission in Canberra or the relevant Consulate can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Iran
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Iran Embassy in Canberra 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Iran
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iran funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Iran
When the body arrives in Iran
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal, depending on the airline routing. Death registration is handled by the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR, Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval-e Keshvar). Death certificates are issued in Farsi (Persian). Iran is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. The Swiss Embassy in Tehran acts as a protecting power for British interests; the British Embassy in Tehran has not been operational since 2011. Families with UK or US connections should contact the FCDO or US State Department for current guidance. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Iran, 2025; Iranian NOCR, 2025.)
Consular support
Iranian Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iran. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Iran
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Iran takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Iran Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iran Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal. The National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR) registers the death; certificates are issued in Farsi. Iran is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. The British Embassy in Tehran has not been operational since 2011; Swiss Embassy acts as protecting power for UK interests. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Australia is widely available in all states and territories. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions