Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Nigeria to United Kingdom
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Nigeria
Contact the police (199 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the state vital statistics office. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own procedures. Documentation is in English throughout. Lagos handles the majority of international cargo flights.
Key facts
Repatriation from Nigeria to the UK: what to expect
Nigeria has a significant British-Nigerian diaspora and is a well-established repatriation corridor. Documentation is in English throughout. The process runs through state-level authorities and typically takes 3-6 weeks. Appoint a specialist on the day of death.
- Key document: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued, in English)
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. State-level variation applies.
- British High Commission in Abuja and Consulate in Lagos register the death and advise.
- Police report required for unexpected or unattended deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Nigeria to United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state vital statistics office. Death certificate issued.
Documentation in English. State-level processing times vary.
Local funeral director and state authority
British High Commission Abuja or Consulate General Lagos notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Quality variable outside Lagos and Abuja.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic serve LOS-LHR.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Nigerian documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British High Commission in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos can register the death and advise. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Nigeria to United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Nigeria to the UK takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving police investigation or death in a remote state can take 6-12 weeks.
The core documents are: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The British High Commission in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos 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.
Yes. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own vital statistics office. Lagos and Abuja have more experienced international funeral providers and faster processing. Deaths in more remote states take longer.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Nigerian documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in Nigeria and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Nigeria, 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 · Nigeria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions