Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Senegal to United States
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Senegal to United States: what to expect
Senegalese-American communities in New York, particularly in Harlem, and in Atlanta account for repatriation demand on this corridor. Senegalese documentation is in French and requires certified English translation for US acceptance.
- 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.
- British Embassy in Dakar registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for United States acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
The process
What happens after a death in Senegal
Contact emergency services (17 (police)). Death must be registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). The Police and Prosecutor takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Senegal 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. 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
United States 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 United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
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
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 Dakar 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Senegal to United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Senegal to United States 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 English translation for UK acceptance.
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 United States Embassy in Dakar can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Dakar as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
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.
Cremation in Senegal is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Senegal, 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 · Senegal repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions