Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Kenya
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Repatriation from Italy to Kenya: what to expect
Italy has bilateral ties with Kenya through trade, tourism, and development cooperation, and Italian nationals travel to Kenya for safari tourism and conservation work. A Kenyan community is established in Italy. Kenya maintains an Embassy in Rome. When a Kenyan national dies in Italy and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Kenya, the death is registered with the local comune (civil registry). Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025; Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: atto di morte (death certificate) (in Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly.
- Kenya Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Kenya
When the body arrives in Kenya
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) under the Registrar General handles death registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. English is Kenya's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Kenya. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Call 112 for the EU emergency number, 118 for ambulance, or 113 for police. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local comune (civil registry office). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1978).
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Kenya
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (EU emergency) or 118 (ambulance) or 113 (police) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Kenya Embassy in Rome 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Kenya
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Kenya funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Kenya
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Kenya takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: atto di morte (death certificate) 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 Kenya Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Kenya Embassy in Rome as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) registers the death. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Italy is available at approved facilities in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Italy, 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 Kenya.
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 Italy (gov.uk) · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions