Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Jordan to the United Kingdom
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Repatriation from Jordan to the UK: what to expect
Jordan is a well-organised country for repatriation. The civil registration system is efficient by regional standards. Documentation is in Arabic and requires certified English translation. Most cases complete in 7-21 days from Amman.
- 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.
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 the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
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
British Embassy 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
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Jordan to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Jordan to the UK 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 British Embassy in Amman can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the FCDO emergency line (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a specialist.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Jordanian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
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.
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Jordanian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Amman can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Jordan, 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 Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Jordan · Jordan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions