Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
For families bringing someone home to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo: what to expect
US nationals in the DRC include development workers, NGO professionals, missionaries, and mining sector contacts. The US Embassy in Kinshasa can assist US nationals after a death. English-language US death certificates require certified French translation and authentication by the DRC Embassy in Washington DC. The DRC is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. Families should verify current airline routes and the security situation before proceeding. (DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
the Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassy in Washington DC 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Democratic Republic of the Congo funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo
When the body arrives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Congolese funeral director takes custody at N'Djili International Airport Kinshasa (FIH) cargo terminal, or Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) for the Katanga region. Death registration is handled by the Office National de l'Etat Civil (ONEC) at commune level. Death certificates (actes de deces) are issued in French, the official language. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the DRC Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign-language documents require certified French translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
DRC Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC 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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Congolese funeral director takes custody at N'Djili International Airport Kinshasa (FIH) or Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) cargo terminal. The Office National de l'Etat Civil (ONEC) at commune level registers the death and issues an acte de deces in French. The DRC is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the DRC Embassy in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions