Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Sudan
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Repatriation from Germany to Sudan: what to expect
German nationals in Sudan include development workers and individuals with bilateral ties. The German Embassy in Khartoum suspended operations in April 2023. Consular assistance for German nationals in Sudan is provided through the German Embassy in Nairobi or the German Foreign Office on +49 30 5000 2000. Port Sudan Airport (PZU) is the main functioning entry and exit point. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified Arabic translation. Sudan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. Repatriation from Sudan requires a specialist with current operational contacts. (German Foreign Office, 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.
- Sudan Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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. The British Embassy in Khartoum suspended operations in April 2023; British consular assistance is provided through the British Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. 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 all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Sudan, 2025.)
Consular support
The relevant Sudanese consular representation in Berlin 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.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Sudan
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
Sudan 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 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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Sudan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany 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 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 Sudan Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sudan 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.
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 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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