Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Tunisia to Sweden
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The process
What happens after a death in Tunisia
Contact emergency services (197 (police)). Death must be registered with the Civil status registry. The Police and Prosecutor takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Tunisia to Sweden: what to expect
Tunisian nationals form part of Sweden's North African diaspora. This corridor handles cases where a Sweden-based Tunisian has a family member die in Tunisia and needs remains brought to Sweden. Arabic documentation from Tunisia requires certified Swedish translation. The Swedish Embassy in Tunis handles consular matters.
- Key document: Extrait d'acte de deces (death certificate, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 7-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Tunis registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French or Arabic-language documentation requires certified English translation for Sweden acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Tunisia to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +46 8 405 50 05.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Extrait d'acte de deces (death certificate, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil status registry. Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Sweden Embassy in Tunis 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete. Sweden cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Tunisia to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Tunisia to Sweden takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
All French or Arabic-language documentation requires certified English translation for UK acceptance.
The core documents are: Extrait d'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 Sweden Embassy in Tunis can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Tunis 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 Swedish begravningsentreprenor takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation.
Cremation is not permitted under Tunisian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. Sweden is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Tunis can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Tunisia, 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 · Tunisia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions