Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Nigeria to United States
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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 civil registration 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 United States: what to expect
Nigerian-American communities across Texas, Maryland, Georgia, and New York account for significant repatriation demand on this corridor. Nigeria's documentation process requires engagement with state government authorities and the National Population Commission.
- 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.
- United States Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Nigeria to United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 (202) 501-4444.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state civil registration 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
United States funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Nigeria to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Nigeria to United States 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 United States Embassy in Abuja can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Abuja as soon as possible after the death.
Yes. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own civil registration office. Lagos and Abuja have more experienced international funeral providers and faster processing. Deaths in more remote states take longer.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
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.
In United States
When the body arrives in United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Abuja can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
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