Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iceland to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Iceland
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the Thjodskra Islands (National Registry). The Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iceland to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Iceland to Ireland follows Iceland's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from death to arrival.
- Key document: Danarvorduord (death certificate from National Registry, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy in Copenhagen registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Iceland is not in the EU but is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death registration is handled by Thjodskra Islands (National Registry).
Step by step
Timeline: Iceland to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Department of Foreign Affairs 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Danarvorduord (death certificate from National Registry, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Thjodskra Islands (National Registry). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Irish Embassy Copenhagen 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 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Ireland.
Once all documentation complete. Dublin Airport cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Copenhagen covers Iceland and can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iceland to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iceland to Ireland takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Iceland is not in the EU but is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Death certificate from National Registry (certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
There is no resident Irish Embassy in Iceland. Consular matters are handled by the Irish Embassy in Copenhagen. Call the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line on +353 1 408 2000 (gov.ie, 2026) as soon as possible. They can provide a list of local funeral directors and register the death with Irish authorities.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Icelandic documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation in Iceland is available. Bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Iceland, 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 · Iceland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions