Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Africa to Nepal
For families bringing someone home to Nepal. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from South Africa to Nepal: what to expect
South Africa and Nepal have connections through the United Nations and humanitarian organisations, and a Nepali community is established in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Embassy of Nepal in Pretoria is fully operational. When a Nepali national dies in South Africa and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Nepal, the death is registered with the Department of Home Affairs under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only international airport. South Africa is a Hague Apostille Convention member; Nepal is not, so full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in Pretoria is required for South African documents. All documents require certified Nepali translation for the Ward Office. (Embassy of Nepal, Pretoria; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act promptly.
- Nepal Embassy in Pretoria can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in South Africa
Call 112 for emergency services, 10111 for police, or 10177 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the Department of Home Affairs under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act. The South African Police Service (SAPS) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths; these cases require a pathologist's report before the body can be released. South Africa is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Processing times can vary; Johannesburg and Cape Town process faster than rural areas.
Step by step
Timeline: South Africa to Nepal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 / 10111 (police) / 10177 (ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (SAPS and pathologist take jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Nepal Embassy in Pretoria 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 Nepal
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Nepal funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Nepal
When the body arrives in Nepal
The Nepali funeral director takes custody at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. All repatriated remains arrive via KTM regardless of the final destination within Nepal. Death registration of overseas Nepalis is handled by the local Ward Office (formerly the Village Development Committee or Municipality) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, upon receipt of the overseas documentation. Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; all foreign documents require full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in the country of origin. All documents require certified Nepali translation for submission to the Ward Office. A hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin is required for international air transport. The Embassy of Nepal in the origin country coordinates the overseas death registration process. (Embassy of Nepal, London; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Embassy of Nepal in Pretoria can advise on documentation requirements and coordinates the overseas death registration process. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy in Pretoria is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from South Africa to Nepal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Africa to Nepal takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-14 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (SAPS and pathologist take jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Nepal Embassy in Pretoria can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Nepal Embassy in Pretoria as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (SAPS and pathologist take jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Nepali funeral director takes custody at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. The local Ward Office under the Ministry of Home Affairs handles death registration on receipt of overseas documentation. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Nepali translation for the Ward Office. A hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin is required. The Embassy of Nepal coordinates the overseas death registration.
Cremation in South Africa is available at licensed facilities in major cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. A death certificate and authority to cremate are required before cremation can proceed. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Nepal.
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