Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Norway to Kenya
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Repatriation from Norway to Kenya: what to expect
Norway and Kenya have long-standing development cooperation and conservation partnerships, with Norwegian NGOs active in Kenya's conservation and humanitarian sectors. Norwegian nationals travel to Kenya for tourism and voluntary work. The Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi is fully operational. When a Kenyan national dies in Norway and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Kenya, the death is registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system administered by Skatteetaten). Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025; Skatteetaten, Norway, 2025.)
- Key document: dodsattest (death certificate) (in Norwegian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten) promptly.
- Kenya Embassy in Oslo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Norway
Call 112 for emergency services (or 02800 for police, 113 for ambulance). Death is certified by a physician. The dodsattest is registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system, administered by the Norwegian Tax Administration / Skatteetaten). The police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Note that deaths occurring in Svalbard require transfer to mainland Norway before any international cargo flight can depart. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Norway to Kenya
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (police 02800 / ambulance 113) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsattest (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten). Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Kenya Embassy in Oslo notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Kenya
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Kenya funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Norway to Kenya
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Norway to Kenya takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: dodsattest (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Kenya Embassy in Oslo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Kenya Embassy in Oslo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) registers the death. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Norway is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Kenya
When the body arrives in Kenya
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) under the Registrar General handles death registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. English is Kenya's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in Oslo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Kenya. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Norway, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Kenya.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Norway (gov.uk) · Norway repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions