Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Cabo Verde to Ireland
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Cabo Verde to Ireland: what to expect
There is no resident Irish Embassy in Cabo Verde. Consular cover is provided by the Irish Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. Cabo Verde is an island nation, and if the death occurs on one of the smaller islands, an internal transfer to the main island is required before the international cargo flight. Amilcar Cabral International Airport connects via Lisbon or Las Palmas for Dublin cargo routes.
- Key document: death certificate from the Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Island location may require internal inter-island transfer before international cargo departs
- Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese are official languages; documents in Portuguese require certified translation
- No resident Irish Embassy in Cabo Verde; consular cover from Irish Embassy Lisbon
- Irish consular cover via DFA emergency line +353 1 408 2000 (gov.ie, 2026)
The process
What happens after a death in Cabo Verde
Call Cabo Verde police (132) or ambulance (130) immediately. A doctor certifies the death. Death is registered with the Conservatória do Registo Civil, which issues the official death certificate in Portuguese. For sudden, unattended, or suspicious deaths, the authorities investigate and a post-mortem may be required. The island location means that deaths on smaller islands such as Santo Antão, Fogo, or Brava require a transfer to São Vicente or Santiago before the international cargo flight. Because there is no resident Irish Embassy in Cabo Verde, all consular contact goes through the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line on +353 1 408 2000 as soon as possible. Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal, or Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Santiago, connect via Lisbon or Las Palmas for Dublin cargo routes.
Step by step
Timeline: Cabo Verde to Ireland
Call Cabo Verde emergency services (132 police / 130 ambulance) and contact DFA emergency line +353 1 408 2000 to reach the Irish Embassy Lisbon
Day of death
Family or travel insurer
Death certified by a doctor. Death registered with the Conservatória do Registo Civil. Death certificate issued in Portuguese.
Within 24-72 hours for natural deaths
Local funeral director and Conservatória do Registo Civil
Authorities investigation and post-mortem completed where required
Add 7-21 days for suspicious or sudden deaths
Cabo Verdean authorities
Inter-island transfer arranged if death occurred on a smaller island
Allow 1-3 additional days for inter-island logistics
Repatriation specialist and local funeral director
Certified English translations of all Portuguese documents prepared
Allow 5-10 working days for certified translations
Certified translation service
Embalming and preparation in sealed, zinc-lined coffin
Once authorities release the body
Licensed local funeral director
Export clearance and all permits obtained from Cabo Verdean authorities
Allow 10-21 days total for full documentation package
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to Dublin (DUB) via Lisbon or Las Palmas
Once all documentation is complete
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival in Ireland
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Lisbon covers Cabo Verde and can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Cabo Verde to Ireland
A straightforward case takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks where death was natural and documentation is in order. Cases involving post-mortem or occurring on a smaller island can take 6-10 weeks.
There is no resident Irish Embassy in Cabo Verde. Consular cover is provided by the Irish Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs 24-hour emergency line on +353 1 408 2000 (gov.ie, 2026) and they will connect you to the relevant consular officer.
Deaths on smaller islands such as Santo Antão, Fogo, or Brava require an internal inter-island transfer to one of the main airports on Sal or Santiago before the international cargo flight can depart. This adds 1-3 days and requires careful coordination. A specialist repatriation coordinator manages this transfer.
The core documents are: the Conservatória do Registo Civil death certificate with certified English translation, post-mortem report and release (if applicable), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the passport of the deceased. All Portuguese documents require certified English translation.
Yes. Cremation is available on the main islands of Cabo Verde. Bringing ashes to Ireland requires proper export documentation and is generally simpler than full body repatriation. A specialist coordinator will advise on availability in the specific location.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All translated documentation is reviewed. The Coroner for the district is notified. In straightforward cases, funeral arrangements can proceed without delay.
Many holiday and travel insurance policies include repatriation cover. Check the policy documents immediately and call the insurer's emergency line. The insurer may appoint their own repatriation coordinator. If no cover exists, a specialist repatriation service can manage the full process from Cabo Verde to Ireland.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Cabo Verde, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
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 · Cabo Verde repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions