Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to India
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Iran to India: what to expect
Iranian nationals visit and work in India in professional and business capacities, and there are historic cultural connections between the two countries. This corridor handles cases where an India-based person has a family member die in Iran and needs remains brought to India. Documentation requires certified translation.
- Key document: Persian death certificate from National Organisation for Civil Registration (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Tehran registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- UK-Iran relations are strained. British nationals in difficulty should contact the India Embassy in Tehran can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for India acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
Contact emergency services (115). Death must be registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration. The Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to India
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +91 11 2301 2113.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Persian death certificate from National Organisation for Civil Registration (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration. Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
India Embassy in Tehran 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 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to India
Once all documentation complete. India cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
India funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In India
When the body arrives in India
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance is required. The remains must be embalmed and sealed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport. State government regulations apply and may require a state-level permit. Major international entry points are Indira Gandhi International (DEL, Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM, Mumbai), Chennai International (MAA), and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU, Kolkata). (Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Indian Embassy or High Commission in Tehran can assist with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Indian Ministry of External Affairs helpline: +91 11 2301 2113 (24 hours).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to India
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to India takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
UK-Iran relations are strained. British nationals in difficulty should contact the +91 11 2301 2113 immediately: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The core documents are: Persian death certificate (certified English translation required), Legal Medicine Organisation clearance, Exit permit from Iranian authorities, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The India Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the India Embassy in Tehran as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance requires the foreign death certificate, embalming certificate, and transit permit. The remains must be in a zinc-lined sealed coffin. State regulations govern the release for burial or cremation at the destination.
Cremation is not permitted under Iranian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Iran, 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 · Iran repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions