Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Egypt to Sudan
For families bringing someone home to Sudan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Egypt to Sudan: what to expect
Egyptian nationals in Sudan include business professionals and individuals with close bilateral ties reflecting Egypt's shared border with Sudan. The Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum has had limited operations since April 2023. Repatriation between Sudan and Egypt can be arranged via Port Sudan and overland or via regional airports as conditions allow. Arabic is the official language of both countries; Egyptian death certificates (shahadat al-wafah, in Arabic) may be accepted with authentication by the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo. Sudan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. Families should contact the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for current guidance. (Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: shahadat al-wafah (death certificate) (in Arabic)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local civil registration office under the Ministry of Interior, with statistics coordinated by CAPMAS (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics) promptly.
- Sudan Embassy in Cairo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Egypt
Call 122 for police or 123 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The shahadat al-wafah (death certificate) is registered with the local civil registration office under the Ministry of Interior. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Egypt is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required for Egyptian documents intended for use abroad. Death certificates are issued in Arabic.
Step by step
Timeline: Egypt to Sudan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 122 (police) / 123 (ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shahadat al-wafah (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration office under the Ministry of Interior, with statistics coordinated by CAPMAS (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics). Violent or unexplained deaths (police investigation required) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Sudan Embassy in Cairo 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 Sudan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sudan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Sudan
When the body arrives in Sudan
Death registration in Sudan is handled by the Civil Registration General Directorate under the Ministry of Interior. Death certificates are issued in Arabic, the official language. Sudan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required for all foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Khartoum International Airport (KRT) suffered severe damage in the April 2023 armed conflict and has had extremely limited operations since. Port Sudan Airport (PZU) is the main functioning gateway as of 2025. Repatriation to Sudan requires a specialist with current operational contacts. For Muslim remains, which account for the large majority of Sudan's population, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The relevant Sudanese consular representation in Cairo can advise on current documentation requirements for repatriation to Sudan. Sudan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Arrangements are subject to change given the ongoing conflict situation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Egypt to Sudan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Egypt to Sudan takes 8-16 weeks or longer. The fastest cases complete in 8 weeks. Complex cases can take 6 months or longer or longer.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration office under the Ministry of Interior, with statistics coordinated by CAPMAS (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police investigation required) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shahadat al-wafah (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 Sudan Embassy in Cairo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sudan Embassy in Cairo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police investigation required) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
Death registration in Sudan is handled by the Civil Registration General Directorate; certificates are issued in Arabic. Sudan is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required along with certified Arabic translation. Khartoum Airport (KRT) has had extremely limited operations since April 2023; Port Sudan Airport (PZU) is the main functioning gateway. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Repatriation to Sudan requires a specialist with current operational contacts. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation is not widely available in Egypt. The large majority of the population is Muslim, for whom Islamic law prohibits cremation; Christian communities follow burial practice. Specialist guidance is required if cremation is sought. 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. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Egypt, 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 Sudan.
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 Egypt (gov.uk) · Egypt repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions