Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Tanzania 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.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Tanzania to the 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.
- Deaths on Zanzibar may involve additional logistics for transfer to the mainland before air repatriation.
- Swahili-language documentation requires certified English translation for the United Arab Emirates acceptance.
Step by step
Timeline: Tanzania 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. 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 the United Arab Emirates
Once all documentation complete. United Arab Emirates cargo terminal
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
The process
What happens after a death in Tanzania
After a death in Tanzania, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Local authority registration office, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 7-10 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and Coroner takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to the United Arab Emirates as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 2-3 weeks from the death to arrival in the United Arab Emirates.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Tanzania to the 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 require a post-mortem, which 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 the ashes home to the United Arab Emirates is an option alongside full body repatriation.
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 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Tanzania, 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 Tanzania (gov.uk) · Tanzania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions