Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to the United Kingdom
For families bringing someone home to the United Kingdom. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iran to the United Kingdom: what to expect
Repatriation from Iran to the United Kingdom follows Iran's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from death to arrival.
- 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 FCDO emergency line immediately: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for UK acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
Repatriation from Iran begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 115, then registering the death with the National Organisation for Civil Registration and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 14-28 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni), which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to the United Kingdom as air cargo. A funeral director in the United Kingdom then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
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
British Embassy 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 the United Kingdom.
Once all documentation complete. cargo terminal at destination
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Kingdom funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Iranian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Tehran has limited capacity to assist British nationals. Contact the FCDO directly as a first step.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to the United Kingdom 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 FCDO emergency line 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 British Embassy in Tehran can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Iranian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation is not permitted under Iranian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Iran, 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 Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Iran · Iran repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions