Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Canada
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Repatriation from Turkey to Canada: what to expect
Turkish nationals form a growing community in Canada, with communities in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver working in professional, trade, and service sectors. Canada and Turkey are both NATO members and have bilateral trade ties. Turkish documentation requires certified English or French translation for Canadian Border Services Agency clearance. The Canadian Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters. Turkey to Canada is an established corridor for both settled diaspora and skilled worker migration. (Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
- Key documents: Turkish death certificate (olum belgesi) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Embalming must be specifically arranged for UK repatriation.
- British Embassy in Ankara (and consulate Istanbul) registers the death and advises.
- Post-mortem ordered by Turkish public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi) for sudden or unexplained deaths.
- Canada Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Canada
When the body arrives in Canada
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required. The required documents are: the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. Provincial or territorial regulations apply and vary between Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and other provinces. (Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
Consular support
Canadian Embassy or High Commission in Ankara can assist Canadian 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. Global Affairs Canada emergency line: +1 (613) 996-8885 (24 hours, collect calls accepted).
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 Canada
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 (613) 996-8885.
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
Canada 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 UK 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. Turkish Airlines Cargo serves all major UK airports direct.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Canada funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Turkey to Canada
In a straightforward case with no prosecutor involvement, repatriation from Turkey to Canada 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. Full body repatriation to the UK is the only option.
The core documents are: Olum belgesi (Turkish death certificate), certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Canada Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Canada Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CBSA clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. Provincial regulations govern the burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the appropriate provincial 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Turkey, 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 · Turkey repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions