Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Tanzania to Germany
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Tanzania
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the Local authority registration office. The Police and Coroner takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Tanzania to Germany: what to expect
Tanzanian nationals in Germany include students, academics, and a small diaspora community. Germany and Tanzania have longstanding bilateral ties dating from the colonial period, when the territory was known as German East Africa. Germany remains a significant development and academic partner for Tanzania. Swahili and English documentation from Tanzania requires certified German translation for Standesamt (civil registry) purposes. The German Embassy in Dar es Salaam handles consular matters.
- Key document: Death certificate from local authority (requires certified English translation if in Swahili)
- Documentation takes 7-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Dar es Salaam registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Deaths on Zanzibar may involve additional logistics for transfer to the mainland before air repatriation.
- Swahili-language documentation requires certified English translation for Germany acceptance.
Step by step
Timeline: Tanzania to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +49 30 5000 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from local authority (requires certified English translation if in Swahili) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Local authority registration office. Police and Coroner may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany Embassy in Dar es Salaam 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 7-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Germany
Once all documentation complete. Germany cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Germany
When the body arrives in Germany
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Berlin (BER). A Leichenpass (body transport passport) or equivalent laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local Gesundheitsamt (public health authority) may inspect the remains on arrival. The receiving funeral director registers the death with the local Standesamt (civil registry) if required. (German Federal Foreign Office, Auswaertiges Amt, 2025.)
Consular support
German Embassy in Dar es Salaam can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. Federal Foreign Office (Auswaertiges Amt) emergency assistance: +49 30 5000 2000 (24 hours). The German Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Tanzania to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Tanzania to Germany takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Deaths on Zanzibar may involve additional logistics for transfer to the mainland before air repatriation.
The core documents are: Death certificate from local authority (certified English translation required if in Swahili), Police clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Germany Embassy in Dar es Salaam can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Dar es Salaam as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A Leichenpass or laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Gesundheitsamt may inspect the remains. The death is registered with the local Standesamt. All foreign documents must carry certified German translation where required.
Cremation in Tanzania is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is an option alongside full body repatriation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Tanzania, 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 · Tanzania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions