Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to the United States
For families bringing someone home to the United States. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to the United States: what to expect
Ghanaian-American communities in New York, Washington DC, and New Jersey generate consistent repatriation demand. Ghana has established procedures for repatriation of diaspora members, and the documentation process is relatively well-mapped.
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- United States Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +1 (202) 501-4444).
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
United States funeral director takes custody. The 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 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to the United States 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 United States Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States 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 US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing the ashes home to the United States is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
In United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Accra can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
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 the United States.
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