Repatriation from the Netherlands to Togo

In a straightforward case, repatriation from the Netherlands to Togo 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.

The funeral director in Togo takes custody at the cargo terminal at Gnassingbe Eyadema International Airport (LFW), Lome. Death is registered through Togo's etat civil (civil registry) system. Togo is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents require consular legalisation. The death certificate, the acte de deces, is issued in French. All documentation from the Netherlands must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in the 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.

Yes, unusually for the region. Togo has one cremation facility, at the Hindu cemetery in Lome, though Togolese law requires a written expression of the deceased's wish to be cremated, or a written family statement in its place, and remains must be partially embalmed before the crematorium will accept them. Burial timelines are also tied to embalming status: unembalmed remains must be buried within 72 hours.