Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates
For families bringing someone home to the United Arab Emirates. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Sri Lankan nationals form a significant worker community in the UAE. This corridor handles cases where a UAE-based Sri Lankan has a family member die in Sri Lanka and needs remains returned to the UAE.
- Key documents: Death certificate (with certified English translation) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- United Arab Emirates Embassy in Colombo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Sri Lanka
Contact police (119) or ambulance (110). Deaths must be certified by a registered medical practitioner. Unexpected deaths require police notification. Death registered at the local Registrar General's Department. The death certificate is issued in Sinhala with an English translation available.
Step by step
Timeline: Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at Registrar General's Department
Death certificate in Sinhala. Certified translation required for use in the United Arab Emirates.
Local funeral director and Registrar General
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
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral home or government mortuary takes custody at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and authenticated by UAE authorities. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy in Colombo handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Sri Lanka for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates takes 14-28 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Death certificate (with certified English translation), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Colombo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Colombo 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 UAE funeral home takes custody at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required. All documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Islamic remains require certification for Islamic burial; non-Islamic remains follow separate procedures.
Yes. Cremation in Sri Lanka and bringing the ashes home to the United Arab Emirates is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight from Colombo.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Sri Lanka, 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 Arab Emirates.
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 Sri Lanka (gov.uk) · Sri Lanka repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions