Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Turkey
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Repatriation from Australia to Turkey: what to expect
Australian nationals in Turkey include tourists, backpackers, and individuals with bilateral ties, including those visiting Gallipoli and ANZAC memorial sites. Australia and Turkey maintain bilateral diplomatic relations with shared historical significance at Gallipoli. Australian death certificates require authentication by the Turkish Embassy in Canberra. Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for Australian documents. (Turkish Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Turkey Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal, or the relevant regional airport serving the destination city. Civil registration of deaths in Turkey is handled by the local Nufus Mudurlugu (Directorate of Civil Registration) under the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality (NUFUS). An olum belgesi (death certificate) is issued in Turkish. For Muslim remains, which account for the large majority of the Turkish population, Islamic law procedures apply and families expect prompt burial. Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other foreign documents require certified Turkish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
Turkish Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkey is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Turkey
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Turkey 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 Turkey
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Turkey funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Turkey 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 Turkey Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey 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 Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The local Nufus Mudurlugu registers the death; an olum belgesi is issued in Turkish. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and families expect prompt burial. Turkey is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All other documents require certified Turkish translation. 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
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Australia, 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 Turkey.
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 guidance on a death in Australia (gov.uk) · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions