Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Senegal to the United States
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Senegal to the 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.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for the United States acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
The process
What happens after a death in Senegal
When someone dies in Senegal, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 17 (police) and registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Obtaining the local death certificate typically takes 7-14 days, and it is this document that lets the rest of the process begin. If the death is treated as violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and Prosecutor takes jurisdiction, and a post-mortem may be needed before release. After the documentation is in order, the body is embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport, then sent to the United States by air cargo. From death to arrival in the United States, most cases take 2-4 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Senegal to the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the United States: +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 the United States
Once all documentation complete. United States cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United States
When the body arrives in the 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 the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Senegal to the 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 translation for acceptance in the United States.
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 require a post-mortem, which 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 the ashes home to the United States is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
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 the United States.
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