Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Italy
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to Italy: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals form one of Italy's established West African communities, concentrated in Brescia, Bergamo, and other northern cities. Many work in manufacturing, agriculture, and domestic services. English documentation from Ghana requires certified Italian translation for Italian civil registry purposes. The Italian Embassy in Accra handles consular matters.
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- British High Commission in Accra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Italy Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Ghana
Call the police (191 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana. Documentation is in English throughout. Kotoka International Airport in Accra is the main cargo departure point.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +39 06 3691 3691.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana.
Documentation in English. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and Births and Deaths Registry
British High Commission Accra notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Kotoka International Airport (ACC) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete. British Airways serves ACC-LHR.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Italy takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving police investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The Italy Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Accra as soon as possible after the death.
The Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana is the official government body responsible for registering all deaths in Ghana. All deaths must be registered with the Registry before any funeral or repatriation process can begin. The Registry issues the official death certificate.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Ghana, 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 · Ghana repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions