Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa
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Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa: what to expect
Congolese nationals form a significant community in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg's central business district. This corridor handles cases where a South Africa-based Congolese national has a family member die in the DRC and needs remains brought to South Africa. French documentation requires certified translation.
- Key document: Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The South Africa Embassy in Kinshasa can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for South Africa acceptance.
In South Africa
When the body arrives in South Africa
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically O.R. Tambo International (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka International (DUR, Durban). A permit from the South African Department of Home Affairs (Form DHA-1744) is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority issues any additional permits. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
Consular support
South African Embassy or High Commission in Kinshasa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Africa. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the nearest South African mission for assistance.
The process
What happens after a death in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Bureau d'etat civil (Civil Registry) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 14-28 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Police and Prosecutor, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to South Africa as air cargo. A funeral director in South Africa then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Bureau d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
South Africa Embassy in Kinshasa 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 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to South Africa
Once all documentation complete. South Africa cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Africa funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
The core documents are: Acte de deces (certified English translation required), Police clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The South Africa Embassy in Kinshasa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Africa Embassy in Kinshasa as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Department of Home Affairs Form DHA-1744 is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority may issue additional permits. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local registrar.
Cremation is not widely available in the DRC. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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 South Africa.
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 Democratic Republic of the Congo (gov.uk) · Democratic Republic of the Congo repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions