Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Tanzania to United Arab Emirates
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Tanzania to United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Tanzanian nationals work in the UAE in various professional and service roles. This corridor handles cases where a UAE-based Tanzanian has a family member die in Tanzania and needs remains brought to the UAE. Documentation requires certified translation for UAE attestation.
- 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 United Arab Emirates acceptance.
Step by step
Timeline: Tanzania to United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact UAE Embassy in origin country.
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
United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates
Once all documentation complete. United Arab Emirates cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Tanzania to United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Tanzania to United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates Embassy in Dar es Salaam can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates 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 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.
Cremation in Tanzania is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is an option alongside full body repatriation.
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in 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 Dar es Salaam handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Tanzania for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
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