Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Fiji to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Fiji to New Zealand: what to expect
Fijian nationals form one of New Zealand's most established Pacific Island communities, with New Zealand receiving Fijian emigrants since the 1970s. Fiji and New Zealand have close bilateral ties as Pacific neighbours. Direct flights connect Nadi to Auckland. English documentation from Fiji simplifies requirements for New Zealand Customs. The New Zealand High Commission in Suva handles consular matters.
- Key document: death certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry, Fiji
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Fiji is a Commonwealth country. English is an official language, which simplifies the documentation process.
- New Zealand Embassy in Suva can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Fiji
Call 917 (police) or 911 (ambulance). Death must be registered with the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry. The Fiji Police Force investigates sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must authorise release of the body. English is an official language, which removes the need for document translation and is a practical benefit at a very difficult time.
Step by step
Timeline: Fiji to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificate obtained from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry.
Fiji Police Force notified for sudden or unexplained deaths.
Local funeral director and registry
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by the Fiji Police Force or authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Suva can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Fiji to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Fiji to New Zealand takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Where a police investigation or post-mortem is required, the process can extend to 5-8 weeks.
English is one of Fiji's official languages, which means documentation is straightforward from the start. Notify your travel insurer on the day of death if a policy is in place.
The core documents are: death certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry, Fiji Police Force release where applicable, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the export permit. Because English is an official language, translation is not required. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining all these on your behalf.
The New Zealand Embassy in Suva can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Suva as soon as possible after the death.
A post-mortem is required for deaths investigated by the Fiji Police Force. This applies to all sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. The police must authorise release of the body before repatriation can proceed. Your specialist will liaise with the relevant authorities.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is available in Fiji. The export requirements for ashes are less onerous than for full body repatriation. Your specialist can advise on the documentation needed and the routing via Pacific hubs.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Fiji, 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 New Zealand.
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 Fiji (gov.uk) · Fiji repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions