Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Senegal to Spain
For families bringing someone home to Spain. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Senegal to Spain: what to expect
Senegalese nationals form part of Spain's West African diaspora, concentrated in Catalonia and the Canary Islands. Senegal is one of the primary origins of West African migration to Spain. This corridor handles cases where a Spain-based Senegalese has a family member die in Senegal and needs remains brought to Spain. French documentation from Senegal requires certified Spanish translation.
- Key document: Acte de deces (death certificate from Centre d'etat civil, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for Spain acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Senegal to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Spain: +34 91 379 9700).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate from Centre d'etat civil, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Spain Embassy in Dakar 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Spain
Once all documentation complete. Spain cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Spain funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Senegal
Repatriation from Senegal begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 17 (police), then registering the death with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 7-14 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Police and Prosecutor, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Spain as air cargo. A funeral director in Spain then takes custody. The full process most often takes 2-4 weeks.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Senegal to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Senegal to Spain takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
All French-language documentation requires certified translation for acceptance in Spain.
The core documents are: Acte de deces (certified English translation required), Police clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Spain Embassy in Dakar can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain Embassy in Dakar as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Spanish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. The Registro Civil registers the death. Island deaths require a mainland transfer first. Unexpected deaths may require a Juzgado de Instruccion investigation before release. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the Registro Civil and local health authorities.
Cremation in Senegal is available. Bringing the ashes home to Spain is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director (empresa funeraria) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), or another Spanish airport. The Registro Civil registers the death. For deaths in the Canary or Balearic Islands, an internal mainland transfer is required before any international cargo flight departs. All foreign documents must carry a certified Spanish translation. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
Consular support
Spanish Embassy in Dakar can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +34 91 379 9700 (24 hours). The Spanish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Senegal, 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 Spain.
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 Senegal (gov.uk) · Senegal repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions