Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom
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Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom: what to expect
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom follows the local registry system. The death certificate is issued by the Matični ured (Registry Office). Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the date of death to arrival.
- Key document: Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih (extract from the death register), issued by the Matični ured
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Sarajevo provides consular support.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying document legalisation.
- Connecting flights to the UK are available via Vienna, Zagreb, or Ljubljana.
The process
What happens after a death in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Call 124 and ask for an ambulance. Death must be registered at the local Matični ured (Registry Office). Suspicious, violent, or unexplained deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Tužilaštvo (Prosecutor's Office), which can order a post-mortem before the body is released. Bosnia and Herzegovina's Apostille Convention membership means certified documents carry a recognised endorsement, accepted directly by UK authorities.
Step by step
Timeline: Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih obtained from the Matični ured.
Tužilaštvo notified if death is suspicious or unexplained.
Local funeral director and registry
British Embassy Sarajevo 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
Export documentation and apostille obtained.
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to the United Kingdom via Vienna, Zagreb, or Ljubljana.
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Kingdom funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Where the Prosecutor's Office investigates or a post-mortem is required, the process can take 3-5 weeks.
The British Embassy in Sarajevo is your first consular contact. Call the FCDO 24-hour emergency line on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 immediately. Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention means documents are endorsed quickly. Connecting flights via Vienna or Zagreb make the cargo logistics manageable once paperwork is in order.
The core documents are: Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih (extract from the death register) with certified English translation, apostille endorsement, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the export permit. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining all these on your behalf.
The British Embassy in Sarajevo can register the death with UK authorities and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. The FCDO 24-hour emergency line is +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
A post-mortem is required where the Tužilaštvo (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction over a suspicious or unexplained death. The body cannot be released until the Prosecutor's Office authorises it. Your repatriation specialist will liaise with the relevant authorities throughout.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation from Bosnia and Herzegovina must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Where paperwork is complete, straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation is available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Transporting ashes to the UK is simpler and generally faster than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate with certified translation and the cremation certificate. Your specialist will advise on the export requirements.
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Sarajevo can register the death and advise on local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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 United Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bosnia and Herzegovina repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions