Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Saudi Arabia
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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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Ghana to Saudi Arabia: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals work in Saudi Arabia in various professional roles. This corridor handles cases where a Saudi-based Ghanaian has a family member die in Ghana and needs remains brought to Saudi Arabia.
- 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.
- Saudi Arabia Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to Saudi Arabia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact Saudi Embassy in origin country.
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
Saudi Arabia funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Saudi Arabia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi government mortuary takes custody at the cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health approval is required in advance. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the origin country. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification. The family or sponsor arranges the receiving funeral home.
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.
In Saudi Arabia
When the body arrives in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government mortuary or funeral home takes custody at King Khalid International (RUH, Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International (JED, Jeddah), or King Fahd International (DMM, Dammam) cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health approval is required before the remains can be received. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the country of origin. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification and procedures. (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Saudi Embassy in Accra handles authentication of repatriation documents. Contact the Saudi Embassy in Ghana for document legalisation requirements. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates with the receiving authorities in Saudi Arabia.
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