Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to United States
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iran to United States: what to expect
Iranian-American communities across California and New York account for repatriation demand on this corridor. The absence of a US Embassy in Iran means consular assistance is handled through third-party channels; a specialist is particularly important.
- 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 United States Embassy in Tehran can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for United States acceptance.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 (202) 501-4444.
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
United States 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 United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United States
When the body arrives in 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 Tehran 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to United States 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 +1 (202) 501-4444 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 United States Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States 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 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.
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