Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to the United States
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Repatriation from Iraq to the United States: what to expect
Iraqi nationals form a significant Middle Eastern community in the United States, with over 500,000 Iraq-born residents concentrated in Detroit, Nashville, San Diego, and Chicago. The US Embassy in Baghdad handles consular matters. Arabic documentation from Iraq requires certified English translation. Cases originating from disputed or conflict-affected areas may require additional specialist support. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Arabic death certificate from civil registration office (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Consular assistance in other parts of Iraq is severely limited.
- A consulate in Erbil covers the Kurdistan Region.
- United States Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iraq
After a death in Iraq, the family should contact the local emergency services on 104 (police) and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Civil registration office, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and judiciary takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to the United States as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from the death to arrival in the United States.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +1 (202) 501-4444).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Arabic death certificate from civil registration office (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil registration office. Police and judiciary may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
United States 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 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to the United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iraq to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to the United States takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
Consular assistance in other parts of Iraq is severely limited.
The core documents are: Arabic death certificate (certified English translation required), Police clearance, Exit permit from Iraqi authorities, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The United States Embassy in Baghdad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Baghdad as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which 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 Iraqi law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
In United States
When the body arrives in the 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 Baghdad 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Iraq, 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 States.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Iraq (gov.uk) · Iraq repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions