Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iraq
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Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iraq: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in the United Kingdom include one of the largest Iraqi diaspora communities in Europe, with a substantial presence in London and other cities. When an Iraqi national dies in the UK, the death is registered at the relevant register office. British death certificates require certified Arabic translation and authentication by the Iraqi Embassy in London. Iraq is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region; families should use a repatriation specialist with current ground contacts. (FCDO guidance: When someone dies in Iraq; Iraqi 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 Iraq 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.
- Iraq 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 Iraq
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Iraq 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
Iraq 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 Iraq
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iraq 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 Iraq
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Iraq 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 Iraq Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iraq 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 Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For the Kurdistan Region, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the main gateway. The Civil Status Directorate registers the death; all certificates are in Arabic. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Families should work with a specialist given current conditions.
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 Iraq
When the body arrives in Iraq
The Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For destinations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the relevant gateway. Death registration is handled by the Civil Status Directorate under the Iraqi Ministry of Interior; all certificates are issued in Arabic. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where it advises against all but essential travel. Families repatriating remains to Iraq should work with a specialist who maintains current contacts on the ground. Iraq is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (FCDO guidance: When someone dies in Iraq; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iraq. Iraq 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
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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 Iraq.
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