Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Togo to United Arab Emirates
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Togo
Contact emergency services (117). Death must be registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). The Police and Prosecutor takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Togo to United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Togolese nationals in the UAE include traders, workers, and professionals in Dubai's international business environment. Togo and the UAE have diplomatic relations, and Togolese nationals participate in West African trading networks centred on Dubai. French and Ewe documentation from Togo requires certified Arabic translation and authentication by the UAE Embassy for MOHAP clearance. The UAE Embassy in Lome handles consular matters.
- Key document: Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Lome registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for United Arab Emirates acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Togo to United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +971 2 495 0000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
United Arab Emirates Embassy in Lome 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 7-14 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
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral director takes custody at Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), or Sharjah International (SHJ) cargo terminal. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) must grant clearance before burial or cremation. A No Objection Certificate from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is required. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Documents not in Arabic or English require certified translation. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy or Consulate in Lome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the UAE. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) emergency line: +971 2 495 0000 (24 hours). The UAE Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Togo to United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Togo to United Arab Emirates takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for UK acceptance.
The core documents are: Acte de deces (certified English translation required), 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 Lome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Lome 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 director takes custody at Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or Sharjah (SHJ) cargo terminal. MOHAP clearance and a GDRFA No Objection Certificate are required in advance. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the UAE Embassy in the origin country. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local health authorities.
Cremation is not widely available in Togo. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Togo, 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 · Togo repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions