Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iran
For families bringing someone home to Iran. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iran: what to expect
British nationals in Iran include dual nationals, academics, journalists, and individuals with family ties. The British Embassy in Tehran has not been operational since 2011; consular assistance for British nationals in Iran is provided by the Swedish Embassy in Tehran as the protecting power. Families should contact the FCDO on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 immediately after a death. British death certificates require certified Farsi translation and authentication by the Iranian Embassy in London. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. (FCDO guidance: When someone dies in Iran; Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Iran Embassy or High Commission in London for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the register office in England and Wales, National Records of Scotland, or the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) promptly.
- Iran Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United Kingdom
Call 999 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a removal order before the body can leave England and Wales. The United Kingdom is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Coroner cases add time: the coroner must be satisfied the body may leave before issuing the order for removal out of England and Wales.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Iran
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Iran Embassy or High Commission in London.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the register office in England and Wales, National Records of Scotland, or the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Iran Embassy or High Commission in London 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 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Iran
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iran funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iran
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iran takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the register office in England and Wales, National Records of Scotland, or the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Iran Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iran Embassy in London as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal. The National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR) registers the death; certificates are issued in Farsi. Iran is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. The British Embassy in Tehran has not been operational since 2011; Swiss Embassy acts as protecting power for UK interests. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in the United Kingdom is widely available. A second medical certificate is required for cremation before the body can be removed. If the coroner is involved, a coroner's certificate replaces the second medical certificate. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Iran
When the body arrives in Iran
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal, depending on the airline routing. Death registration is handled by the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR, Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval-e Keshvar). Death certificates are issued in Farsi (Persian). Iran is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. The Swiss Embassy in Tehran acts as a protecting power for British interests; the British Embassy in Tehran has not been operational since 2011. Families with UK or US connections should contact the FCDO or US State Department for current guidance. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (FCDO guidance: When someone dies in Iran; Iranian NOCR, 2025.)
Consular support
Iranian Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iran. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The 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 the United Kingdom, 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 Iran.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Frequently asked questions