Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Tunisia to Sweden
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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.
- All French or Arabic-language documentation requires certified English translation for Sweden acceptance.
- Police clearance is required for all violent or suspicious deaths.
The process
What happens after a death in Tunisia
After a death in Tunisia, the family should contact the local emergency services on 197 (police) and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Civil status registry, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 7-10 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and Prosecutor 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 Sweden as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 2-3 weeks from the death to arrival in Sweden.
Step by step
Timeline: Tunisia to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +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. The 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 translation for acceptance in Sweden.
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 require a post-mortem, which 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Tunisia, 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 Sweden.
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 Tunisia (gov.uk) · Tunisia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions