Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to New Zealand: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals in New Zealand include students, nurses, and healthcare professionals in a community that has grown through New Zealand's skilled migrant and health worker recruitment pathways. New Zealand does not maintain a resident embassy in Ghana; consular matters for West Africa are covered by the New Zealand Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. English-language Ghanaian death certificates are generally accepted without translation, though New Zealand Hague Apostille requirements mean proper authentication is still needed. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English) (in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Births and Deaths Registry (Ghana Statistical Service) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in english) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Births and Deaths Registry (Ghana Statistical Service). Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand Embassy in Abuja 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 7-21 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Ghana
Call 191 for police or 193 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a medical practitioner and registered with the Births and Deaths Registry under the Ghana Statistical Service. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Documentation is in English. Ghana's tropical climate requires prompt embalming.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to New Zealand takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Births and Deaths Registry (Ghana Statistical Service) promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in English) 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 New Zealand Embassy in Abuja can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Abuja as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Ghana is available in Accra and some major cities, though burial remains more common. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Abuja can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Ghana, 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 New Zealand.
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 .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Ghana (gov.uk) · Ghana repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions