Repatriation from Netherlands to South Sudan

In a straightforward case, repatriation from Netherlands to South Sudan takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.

The core documents are: akte van overlijden (death certificate from the local gemeente), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. The akte van overlijden is issued in Dutch. Certified translation is required for non-Dutch-speaking destinations. Source: FCDO Travel Advice Netherlands 2025.

The The Hague-based British embassy or high commission 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.

The funeral director in South Sudan takes custody at the cargo terminal at Juba International Airport (JUB). Death is registered with the Office of the Registrar General, a system in place only since independence in 2011; the South Sudan National Police Service clears non-natural deaths before the Ministry of Health issues the export permit. South Sudan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents require legalisation. Mortuary infrastructure exists in Juba but almost nowhere else. All documentation from Netherlands must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in Netherlands is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.

Juba and the immediately accessible surrounding area are workable, with a resident British Embassy providing direct consular backing, a genuine advantage this route has over most others in this batch. Unity State, Upper Nile State, and Western and Central Equatoria outside Juba are under an FCDO advisory against all travel, and mortuary infrastructure barely exists once you leave the capital, so recovery from those areas is not something a civilian repatriation firm can promise.