Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Kenya to Portugal
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
The repatriation process from Kenya
Contact emergency services (999 or 112). If death occurs outside hospital, police must attend. Contact the British High Commission in Nairobi. Death must be registered with the civil registrar at the district office. Deaths in safari areas require road or charter aircraft transfer to Nairobi.
Key facts
Repatriation from Kenya to Portugal: what to expect
Kenyan nationals form part of Portugal's African diaspora, working in professional and service roles in Lisbon and Porto. English documentation from Kenya requires certified Portuguese translation where required by Portuguese civil registry authorities. The Portuguese Embassy in Nairobi handles consular matters. Kenya to Portugal is a growing corridor reflecting increased East African migration to the Iberian peninsula.
- Key documents: Kenyan death certificate and Port Health clearance (freedom from infection)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. All documentation and cargo departs from Nairobi.
- British High Commission in Nairobi registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Portugal Embassy in Nairobi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Kenya to Portugal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +351 21 394 6000.
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
British High Commission Nairobi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides 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. Kenya Airways and British Airways serve NBO-LHR direct.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Portugal funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Portugal
When the body arrives in Portugal
The Portuguese agencia funeraria (funeral director) takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. An Autoridade de Saude (health authority) clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Portugal is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents from non-EU countries require certified Portuguese translation. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 2025.)
Consular support
Portuguese Embassy in Nairobi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Portugal. Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) emergency line: +351 21 394 6000 (24 hours). The Portuguese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Kenya to Portugal
In a straightforward Nairobi case, repatriation from Kenya to Portugal 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.
Contact a UK repatriation specialist and the +351 21 394 6000 (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) immediately. 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 Portugal Embassy in Nairobi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Portugal Embassy in Nairobi as soon as possible after the death.
The Portuguese agencia funeraria takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. Autoridade de Saude clearance is required. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Non-EU documents require certified Portuguese translation.
Yes. Cremation in Kenya and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and Port Health clearance.
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If your loved one has passed away in Kenya, 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 · Kenya repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions