Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Africa to Australia
For families bringing someone home to Australia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from South Africa to Australia: what to expect
South African nationals form an established immigrant community in Australia, particularly in Perth and Sydney. Many South Africans emigrated to Australia from the late 1980s onward. South Africa to Australia is an active corridor for the South African diaspora. English documentation from South Africa simplifies requirements for Australian Border Force. The Australian High Commission in Pretoria handles consular matters.
- Key documents: South African death certificate (BI-1663, Home Affairs registered) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Documentation is in English throughout.
- Australia Embassy in Pretoria can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from South Africa
Call 10177 for ambulance or 10111 for police. Unexpected deaths must be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Death registered with the local Department of Home Affairs. A certified BI-1663 form is issued as the death certificate.
Step by step
Timeline: South Africa to Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Australia: +61 2 6261 3305).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Home Affairs. BI-1663 death certificate issued.
Funeral director handles registration. Documents in English throughout.
Local funeral director and Home Affairs
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
South African funeral industry is professional and experienced with international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation completed
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance is required. State or territory funeral regulations govern burial or cremation; requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. All documentation must be authenticated. (Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
Australian Embassy or High Commission in Pretoria can assist Australian 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. Australian Government Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from South Africa to Australia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Africa to Australia takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a SAPS investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: South African death certificate (BI-1663), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Australia Embassy in Pretoria can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia Embassy in Pretoria as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. State or territory regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the relevant state authority.
Yes. Cremation in South Africa and bringing the ashes home to Australia is an option. You will need the BI-1663 death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in South Africa, 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 Australia.
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 South Africa (gov.uk) · South Africa repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions