Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Japan
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to Japan: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals in Japan include students, professionals, and a small diaspora community. Ghana and Japan have bilateral development cooperation ties, with Japan providing official development assistance (ODA) to Ghana across infrastructure and education. English documentation from Ghana requires certified Japanese translation for municipal office (koseki) registration purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Accra handles consular matters. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- 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.
- Japan 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 Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +81 3 3580 3311.
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
Japan funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND) cargo terminal, or Osaka Kansai International (KIX) for western Japan. The local municipal office registers the death in the koseki (family registry). Cremation is standard in Japan and a cremation permit from the municipal office is required. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency assistance: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Japan 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 Japan Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan 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 Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) cargo terminal. The municipal office registers the death in the koseki. Cremation is standard and requires a municipal permit. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy in the origin country and require certified Japanese translation.
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