Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to Greece
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Repatriation from Iraq to Greece: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in Greece form one of the largest non-EU communities in the country, following large-scale arrivals through the Eastern Mediterranean route. Greece has registered tens of thousands of Iraqi nationals, many of whom have since obtained asylum or residency. Arabic documentation from Iraq requires certified Greek translation for the Lixiarcheio (civil registry). The Greek Embassy in Baghdad handles consular matters. The FCDO advises against all travel to large parts of Iraq; families should confirm the specific location before planning travel. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Arabic) (in Arabic)
- Documentation takes 2-4 weeks (highly variable). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Baghdad registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Civil Status Directorate promptly.
- Greece Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iraq
Call 104 for police or 115 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the Civil Status Directorate. For violent or unexplained deaths, police and judicial procedures apply. The FCDO advises against all travel to large parts of Iraq; access to consular and civil registry services varies significantly by location. All documentation is in Arabic.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +30 210 3681 000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in arabic) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil Status Directorate. Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths; security situation may further delay access may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Greece Embassy in Baghdad 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 2-4 weeks (highly variable). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Greece
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iraq to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to Greece takes 6-12 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 4-6 weeks. Complex cases can take many months or longer.
Death must be registered with the Civil Status Directorate promptly. Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths; security situation may further delay access may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Arabic) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Greece Embassy in Baghdad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Baghdad as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths; security situation may further delay access may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available in Iraq for Muslim remains. Non-Muslim remains face very limited options. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
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