Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Jordan to the United States
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Repatriation from Jordan to the United States: what to expect
Jordanian nationals form a notable diaspora community in the United States, concentrated in Detroit, Washington DC, and New York. Jordan and the United States have a Free Trade Agreement and close security and diplomatic ties, with Jordan a key US partner in the Middle East. Jordanian students attend American universities in significant numbers, and the bilateral relationship supports considerable travel in both directions. Arabic documentation from Jordan requires certified English translation for US state-level civil registration purposes. The US Embassy in Amman handles consular matters. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
- 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.
- United States Embassy in Amman can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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 Amman 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.
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 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 with Civil Status Department. Shihada al wafat issued.
Certificate in Arabic. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and Civil Status Department
United States 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
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 Jordan to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Jordan to the United States 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 United States Embassy in Amman can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Amman as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
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 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
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 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 Jordan (gov.uk) · Jordan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions