Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Jordan to United States
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Repatriation from Jordan to 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.
- British Embassy in Amman registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- United States Embassy in Amman can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In United States
When the body arrives in 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 United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +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
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
United States 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 United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Jordan to 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.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the +1 (202) 501-4444 (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a 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.
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