Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Africa to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from South Africa to New Zealand: what to expect
South African nationals form a significant migrant community in New Zealand, concentrated in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, having arrived through skilled worker and professional visa channels over several decades. South Africa and New Zealand share Commonwealth ties, and South African professionals in healthcare, engineering, and finance are well represented. English documentation from South Africa requires no translation for New Zealand Customs clearance. The New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria handles consular matters. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
- Key documents: South African death certificate (BI-1663, Home Affairs registered) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Documentation is in English throughout.
- New Zealand 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 New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
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
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Pretoria can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from South Africa to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Africa to New Zealand 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 New Zealand Embassy in Pretoria can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand 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 New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in South Africa and bringing the ashes home to New Zealand is an option. You will need the BI-1663 death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
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 New Zealand.
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