Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Jordan to Saudi Arabia
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Repatriation from Jordan to Saudi Arabia: what to expect
Jordanian nationals work as professionals across Saudi Arabia. This corridor handles cases where a Saudi-based Jordanian has a family member die in Jordan and needs remains brought to Saudi Arabia.
- Key document: Jordanian death certificate (shihada al wafat, in Arabic) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- British Embassy in Amman registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Saudi Arabia Embassy in Amman can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Saudi Arabia
When the body arrives in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government mortuary or funeral home takes custody at King Khalid International (RUH, Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International (JED, Jeddah), or King Fahd International (DMM, Dammam) cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health approval is required before the remains can be received. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the country of origin. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification and procedures. (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Saudi Embassy in Amman handles authentication of repatriation documents. Contact the Saudi Embassy in Jordan for document legalisation requirements. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates with the receiving authorities in Saudi Arabia.
The process
What happens after a death in Jordan
Contact police (911) or ambulance (912). Unexpected deaths require police attendance. Death registered with the Civil Status Department (dairat al ahwal al madaniya). The death certificate (shihada al wafat) is issued in Arabic and requires certified English translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Jordan to Saudi Arabia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact Saudi Embassy in origin country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Civil Status Department. Shihada al wafat issued.
Certificate in Arabic. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and Civil Status Department
Saudi Arabia Embassy in Amman notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
After police and civil registration release the body.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 5-14 days.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete. Royal Jordanian and British Airways serve AMM-LHR.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Saudi Arabia funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Jordan to Saudi Arabia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Jordan to Saudi Arabia takes 7-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases involving a police investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: shihada al wafat (Jordanian death certificate) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased.
The Saudi Arabia Embassy in Amman can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Amman as soon as possible after the death.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the contact Saudi Embassy in origin country (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a specialist.
The Saudi government mortuary takes custody at the cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health approval is required in advance. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the origin country. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification. The family or sponsor arranges the receiving funeral home.
Cremation in Jordan is not widely available given the predominantly Muslim population. Most repatriations from Jordan are full body repatriations. Contact us to discuss the options specific to your situation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Jordan, 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 · Jordan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions