Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Eritrea to Sweden
For families bringing someone home to Sweden. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Eritrea to Sweden: what to expect
Eritrean nationals form one of Sweden's largest African communities, with over 60,000 residents. Sweden received substantial numbers of Eritrean asylum seekers from 2010 onward. This corridor sees consistent repatriation demand. Eritrea's civil registration system requires specialist coordination. The Swedish Embassy covering Eritrea is based in Nairobi, Kenya. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
- Key document: Death certificate (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Eritrea has significant bureaucratic requirements and limited infrastructure; timelines are longer than most countries.
- All Tigrinya or Arabic-language documentation requires certified English translation for Sweden acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Eritrea
Repatriation from Eritrea begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 113, then registering the death with the Civil registration office 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 local authorities, 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 Sweden as air cargo. A funeral director in Sweden then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Eritrea to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +46 8 405 50 05).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil registration office. Police and local authorities may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Sweden Embassy in Nairobi 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete. Sweden cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. The Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police) is informed if the death was violent or unexplained. Sweden is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Nairobi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Eritrea to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Eritrea to Sweden takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
Eritrea has significant bureaucratic requirements and limited infrastructure; timelines are longer than most countries.
The core documents are: Death certificate (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 Sweden Embassy in Nairobi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Nairobi 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 Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not widely available in Eritrea. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Eritrea, 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 Sweden.
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 Eritrea (gov.uk) · Eritrea repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions