Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to Belgium
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Iraq
Contact emergency services (104). Death must be registered with the Civil Status Directorate. The Iraqi security services take jurisdiction for violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths, which can cause significant delays. All documentation is in Arabic and requires certified English translation. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents must be authenticated through the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the destination country's embassy. FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq; consular capacity is limited in many areas.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iraq to Belgium: what to expect
Repatriation from Iraq to Belgium follows Iraq's civil registration and export procedures. Most cases take 6-12 weeks.
- Key document: shahada wafah (death certificate from the Civil Status Directorate)
- Documentation takes 3-8 weeks. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Baghdad can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member. Documents require legalisation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- All Arabic-language documentation requires certified translation where needed.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to Belgium
Immediate steps after death. Report to local emergency services and contact a specialist at once.
Day of death. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shahada wafah (death certificate from the civil status directorate) obtained from Civil Status Directorate (Mudiriyyat al-Ahwal al-Madaniyya).
Registration must occur promptly. The Iraqi security services investigate violent or suspicious deaths. Political and security conditions can extend timelines considerably.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Embassy or consulate notified. Notify the Belgian Embassy in Iraq.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for international air transport.
After body released by authorities. IATA P650 requirements apply.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits and authenticated documents obtained. All Iraqi documents are in Arabic. Certified English translation is required for all Western destinations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication is required as Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member.
Allow 3-8 weeks. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Baghdad International Airport (BGW); Erbil International Airport (EBL) in the Kurdistan Region to Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Charleroi (CRL).
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Belgian funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal. Commune/gemeenten notified.
Within 24-48 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Belgium
When the body arrives in Belgium
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Death is registered with the local commune/gemeenten (municipal authority). The acte de deces or overlijdensakte (Belgian death certificate) is issued in French, Dutch, or German depending on region. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Belgian Embassy in Iraq: contact the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +32 2 501 8111 for consular guidance.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iraq to Belgium
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to Belgium takes 6-12 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 4-6 weeks. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 12-24 weeks.
The core documents are: shahada wafah (death certificate from the Civil Status Directorate), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. All Iraqi documents are in Arabic. Certified English translation is required for all Western destinations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication is required as Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member. Source: FCDO Travel Advice Iraq 2025.
The British Embassy in Baghdad handles consular matters for most of Iraq, and the British Consulate-General in Erbil covers the Kurdistan Region. FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq; consular capacity is limited. The Embassy can register the death and advise on approved local funeral directors, but cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Death is registered with the local commune/gemeenten (municipal authority). The acte de deces or overlijdensakte (Belgian death certificate) is issued in French, Dutch, or German depending on region. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay. All documentation from Iraq must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.
Yes. Cremation in Iraq is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Iraq, 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 · Iraq repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions