Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Kenya to Norway
For families bringing someone home to Norway. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Kenya to Norway: what to expect
Kenyan nationals form part of Norway's East African diaspora, working in professional and healthcare sectors. This corridor handles cases where a Norway-based Kenyan has a family member die in Kenya and needs remains brought to Norway. English documentation from Kenya simplifies some requirements. The Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi handles consular matters.
- Key documents: Kenyan death certificate and Port Health clearance (freedom from infection)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. All documentation and cargo departs from Nairobi.
- Norway Embassy in Nairobi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Kenya
Contact emergency services (999 or 112). If death occurs outside hospital, police must attend. Death must be registered with the civil registrar at the district office. Deaths in safari areas require road or charter aircraft transfer to Nairobi.
Step by step
Timeline: Kenya to Norway
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Norway: +47 23 95 00 00).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with civil registrar. Burial permit obtained.
Funeral director handles registration. Safari area deaths require transfer to Nairobi first.
Local funeral director and civil registrar
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming in Nairobi
Professional embalming facilities available in Nairobi. Limited outside the capital.
Licensed local funeral director
Port Health clearance and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days. Port Health is an additional step specific to Kenya.
Local funeral director and Port Health
Air cargo from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Norway funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Norway
When the body arrives in Norway
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer or equivalent body transport document must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret (National Population Register) records the death. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member (EEA, not EU). Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. (Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Norway. Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +47 23 95 00 00 (24 hours). The Norwegian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Kenya to Norway
In a straightforward Nairobi case, repatriation from Kenya to Norway takes 10-14 days. Deaths in safari areas or remote locations add significant time for internal transfer. Most cases take 14-28 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks.
Deaths in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, or other remote areas require road or light aircraft transfer to Nairobi before any documentation can begin.
The core documents are: Kenyan death certificate, Embalming certificate, Port Health clearance (freedom from infection certificate), Police report/clearance, and Passport of the deceased.
The Norway Embassy in Nairobi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Norway Embassy in Nairobi as soon as possible after the death.
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret records the death. Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation.
Yes. Cremation in Kenya and bringing the ashes home to Norway is an option. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and Port Health clearance.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Kenya, 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 Norway.
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 Kenya (gov.uk) · Kenya repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions