Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Australia
For families bringing someone home to Australia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Turkey to Australia: what to expect
Turkish nationals form a long-established community in Australia, with many families having arrived as labour migrants from the 1960s and 1970s under bilateral agreements. Turkish-Australian communities are concentrated in Melbourne and Sydney and span multiple generations. This corridor also handles deaths of Australian tourists in Turkey, a significant volume given Turkey's popularity as a tourist destination. Turkish documentation requires certified English translation for Australian Border Force clearance. The Australian Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters.
- Key documents: Turkish death certificate (olum belgesi) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Embalming must be specifically arranged for repatriation.
- Post-mortem ordered by Turkish public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi) for sudden or unexplained deaths.
- Australia Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Turkey
Call 112 for emergency services. Unexpected deaths are referred to the public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi). Death registered at the nufus mudurlugu (civil registry office). The olum belgesi is issued in Turkish only. Certified English translation is required. No cremation facilities exist in Turkey.
Step by step
Timeline: Turkey to Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Australia: +61 2 6261 3305).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at nufus mudurlugu. Olum belgesi issued.
Certificate in Turkish only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Australia Embassy in Ankara notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming arranged (specifically requested for repatriation)
Not standard for Turkish nationals. Must be specifically arranged.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until public prosecutor authorises release.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Istanbul (IST/SAW), Ankara (ESB), or Antalya (AYT)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance is required. State or territory funeral regulations govern burial or cremation; requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. All documentation must be authenticated. (Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
Australian Embassy or High Commission in Ankara can assist Australian citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Australian Government Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Turkey to Australia
In a straightforward case with no prosecutor involvement, repatriation from Turkey to Australia takes 7-10 days. Most cases take 10-21 days. Complex cases involving investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
There are effectively no cremation facilities in Turkey. If your family wishes to have the body cremated, this cannot be done in Turkey.
The core documents are: Olum belgesi (Turkish death certificate), certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Australia Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. State or territory regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the relevant state authority.
Deaths in resort areas are handled locally, but embalming to international standards may need to be arranged in Antalya or via Istanbul. Your repatriation specialist will coordinate the right local provider. The overall process and timeline are the same.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Turkey, 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 Australia.
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 Turkey (gov.uk) · Turkey repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions