Funeral repatriation route guide

Repatriation from Germany to Sudan

For families bringing someone home to Sudan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.

8-16 weeks or longer Typical timeline
8 weeks Fastest cases
3-5 days Documentation time

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Key facts

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. 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.

  • Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
  • Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
  • Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
  • Sudan Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Typical timeline8-16 weeks or longer
Fastest case8 weeks
Complex case6 months or longer

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 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

1

Immediate steps after death

Day of death. Call 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.

Family or travel insurer

2

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

3

Sudan Embassy in Berlin notified

Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.

Family or repatriation specialist

4

Embalming and preparation.

After body released by authorities.

Licensed local funeral director

5

All export documentation and permits obtained.

Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.

Local funeral director and authorities

6

Air cargo to Sudan

Once all documentation complete.

Repatriation specialist and airline cargo

7

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

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If your loved one has died in Germany, 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.

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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 .