Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Canada to Nepal
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Canada to Nepal: what to expect
Canada hosts an established Nepali-Canadian community, with nationals concentrated in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary working in healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. The Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa is fully operational. When a Nepali national dies in Canada and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Nepal, the death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only international airport; all repatriated remains arrive there. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa is required. A certified Nepali translation of all documents is required by the Ward Office on arrival. (Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English or French)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Ottawa registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly.
- Nepal Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Canada to Nepal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Nepal Embassy in Ottawa 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 Nepal
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Nepal funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Canada
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Canada to Nepal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Canada to Nepal takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-14 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) 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 Nepal Embassy in Ottawa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Nepal Embassy in Ottawa as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Nepali funeral director takes custody at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. The local Ward Office under the Ministry of Home Affairs handles death registration on receipt of overseas documentation. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Nepali translation for the Ward Office. A hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin is required. The Embassy of Nepal coordinates the overseas death registration.
Cremation in Canada is widely available in all provinces. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Nepal
When the body arrives in Nepal
The Nepali funeral director takes custody at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. All repatriated remains arrive via KTM regardless of the final destination within Nepal. Death registration of overseas Nepalis is handled by the local Ward Office (formerly the Village Development Committee or Municipality) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, upon receipt of the overseas documentation. Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; all foreign documents require full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in the country of origin. All documents require certified Nepali translation for submission to the Ward Office. A hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin is required for all air imports. The Embassy of Nepal in the origin country coordinates the overseas death registration process. (Embassy of Nepal, London; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa can advise on documentation requirements and coordinates the overseas death registration process. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy in Ottawa is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 · Canada repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions