Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Canada to Turkey
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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 records registry. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Canada is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Key facts
Repatriation from Canada to Turkey: what to expect
Canadian nationals in Turkey include tourists, business professionals, and a community with bilateral ties reflecting the large Turkish-Canadian diaspora. Canada and Turkey maintain bilateral diplomatic relations within NATO and G20 frameworks. Canadian death certificates (in English or French) require authentication by the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa. Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for Canadian documents. The Canadian Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters for Canadian nationals in Turkey. (Turkish Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality, 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 records registry promptly.
- Turkey Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Canada to Turkey
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 records registry. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Turkey 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 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
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 all air imports. (Turkish Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Turkey, 2025.)
Consular support
Turkish Embassy or Consulate in Ottawa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkey is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Canada to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Canada 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 provincial civil records registry 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 Turkey Embassy in Ottawa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey 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 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 Canada is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Canada, 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 · Canada repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions