Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to The Gambia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to The Gambia: what to expect
The United States has a Gambian diaspora community, with nationals concentrated in the Washington DC metropolitan area, New York, and Philadelphia. The US maintains development and diplomatic ties with The Gambia, and the US Embassy in Banjul is operational. When a Gambian national or a person with Gambian family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Gambia Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the General Register Office. The Gambia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (FCDO Travel Advice: The Gambia, 2025; General Register Office, The Gambia, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Washington DC registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- The Gambia Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to The Gambia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
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 Gambia 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 Gambia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
The Gambia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to The Gambia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to The Gambia takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-12 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 Gambia Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the The Gambia 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 Gambia funeral director takes custody at Banjul International Airport (BJL) cargo terminal. The General Register Office registers the death and issues a death certificate in English. All foreign documents require consular authentication before submission to Gambian authorities. The Gambia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Gambia is a Commonwealth member. 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.
In The Gambia
When the body arrives in The Gambia
The Gambia funeral director takes custody at Banjul International Airport (BJL) cargo terminal. Death registration in The Gambia is handled by the General Register Office. Death certificates are issued in English. The Gambia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required by Gambian authorities. The Gambia is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (General Register Office, The Gambia, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: The Gambia, 2025.)
Consular support
The Gambia High Commission or Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to The Gambia. The Gambia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required for all foreign documents. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the General Register Office in The Gambia for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in the United States, 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 · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions