Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Norway
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Repatriation from Ghana to Norway: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals in Norway form an established diaspora community, with Ghanaian residents concentrated in Oslo and other Norwegian cities. Ghana and Norway have bilateral development cooperation ties, with Norway a major donor to Ghanaian oil sector governance and environmental programmes. English documentation from Ghana requires certified Norwegian translation for Folkeregisteret (National Population Register) purposes. The Norwegian Embassy in Accra handles consular matters. (Norwegian 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.
- Norway Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Norway
When the body arrives in Norway
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer or equivalent body transport document must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret (National Population Register) records the death. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member (EEA, not EU). Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. (Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Norwegian Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Norway. Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +47 23 95 00 00 (24 hours). The Norwegian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Norway
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Norway: +47 23 95 00 00).
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
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Norway funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Norway
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Norway 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 Norway Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Norway 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 Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret records the death. Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing the ashes home to Norway is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
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 Norway.
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