Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Pakistan to South Africa
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Pakistan to South Africa: what to expect
Pakistani nationals work in South Africa in trade and professional roles. This corridor handles cases where a South Africa-based Pakistani has a family member die in Pakistan and needs remains brought to South Africa. Documentation requires certified translation.
- Key document: Pakistani death certificate (NADRA or Union Council issued) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 14-30 days minimum. Urdu certificate requires certified translation.
- British High Commission in Islamabad registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- No cremation in Pakistan. All repatriations are full body.
- South Africa Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Pakistan to South Africa
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact nearest South African mission. Seek specialist advice on FCDO travel warning status.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with NADRA or local Union Council. Certificate issued in Urdu.
Certified English translation required. Cannot begin process without it.
Local funeral director and NADRA
British High Commission Islamabad or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Quality embalming available in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore. Limited elsewhere.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days minimum.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), or Lahore (LHE)
Once all documentation complete. PIA, British Airways, and Emirates serve direct routes to LHR.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Africa funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Pakistan
Call 15 for police or 115 for ambulance. Unexpected deaths require police notification. Death registered with NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) or the local Union Council. The death certificate is in Urdu and requires certified English translation. Quality embalming is available in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore but limited in smaller cities.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Pakistan to South Africa
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Pakistan to South Africa takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases, or those involving FCDO-restricted areas, can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Cremation is effectively unavailable in Pakistan. All repatriations must be full body repatriations. This applies regardless of the religion or wishes of the deceased.
Contact a UK repatriation specialist and the contact nearest South African mission (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) immediately. Deaths in areas subject to FCDO travel warnings add significant complexity. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently.
The core documents are: Pakistani death certificate (NADRA-issued) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The South Africa Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Africa Embassy in Islamabad as soon as possible after the death.
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Department of Home Affairs Form DHA-1744 is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority may issue additional permits. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local registrar.
In South Africa
When the body arrives in South Africa
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically O.R. Tambo International (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka International (DUR, Durban). A permit from the South African Department of Home Affairs (Form DHA-1744) is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority issues any additional permits. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
Consular support
South African Embassy or High Commission in Islamabad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Africa. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the nearest South African mission for assistance.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Pakistan, 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 · Pakistan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions