Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Senegal
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Germany
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German. Police and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Germany is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Senegal: what to expect
German nationals in Senegal include development workers, NGO professionals, and researchers. Germany and Senegal maintain bilateral development cooperation through GIZ programmes. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified French translation and authentication by the Senegalese Embassy in Berlin. Senegal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Senegal Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Senegal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Senegal Embassy in Berlin 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Senegal
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Senegal funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Senegal
When the body arrives in Senegal
The Senegalese funeral director takes custody at Blaise Diagne International Airport Dakar (DSS) cargo terminal. Death registration is handled by the local Centre d'Etat Civil (civil status centre) at commune level. Death certificates (actes de deces) are issued in French, the official language. For Muslim remains, which account for the large majority of the Senegalese population, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Senegal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Senegalese Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Senegalese Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Senegal. Senegal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Senegal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Senegal 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 local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (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 Senegal Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Senegal Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Senegalese funeral director takes custody at Blaise Diagne International Airport Dakar (DSS) cargo terminal. The local Centre d'Etat Civil registers the death and issues an acte de deces in French. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Senegal is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Senegalese Embassy or Consulate in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Germany 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 Germany, 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 · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions