Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Switzerland to Jordan
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Switzerland to Jordan: what to expect
Switzerland and Jordan have bilateral ties through trade and diplomatic engagement at the United Nations in Geneva, with Swiss development organisations active in the region. A Jordanian community is established in Geneva and Zurich. The Jordanian Embassy in Bern is fully operational. When a Jordanian national dies in Switzerland and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Jordan, the death is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman receives the remains. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member; Jordan is not, so full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in Bern is required for Swiss documents. All documents require certified Arabic translation for the Civil Status Department in Jordan. Islamic law procedures apply for Muslim remains. (Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Todesurkunde (death certificate) (in German, French, or Italian (depending on canton))
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Bern registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level) promptly.
- Jordan Embassy in Bern can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Switzerland
Call 117 for police, 144 for ambulance, or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The Todesurkunde is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). The cantonal police or investigating magistrate take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1972).
Step by step
Timeline: Switzerland to Jordan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 117 (police) / 144 (ambulance) / 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Todesurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Jordan Embassy in Bern 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Jordan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Jordan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Jordan
When the body arrives in Jordan
The Jordanian funeral director takes custody at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. The Civil Status Department of the Ministry of Interior handles death registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected; a burial permit from the Ministry of Interior is required before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Jordan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. A health clearance certificate is required for all incoming human remains. (Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Jordanian Embassy or Consulate in Bern can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Jordan. Jordan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in Bern is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Switzerland to Jordan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Switzerland to Jordan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Todesurkunde (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 Jordan Embassy in Bern can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Jordan Embassy in Bern as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Jordanian funeral director takes custody at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) cargo terminal. The Civil Status Department of the Ministry of Interior handles death registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and a burial permit from the Ministry of Interior is required; prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Jordan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Switzerland is widely available at authorised facilities across all major cantons. 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, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Switzerland, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Switzerland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions