Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Iraq
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Iraq: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in the United States include a substantial diaspora community, particularly in Michigan, California, and Tennessee. English-language US death certificates require certified Arabic translation and authentication by the Iraqi Embassy in Washington DC. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region; families should work with a specialist who maintains current contacts on the ground. (FCDO Travel Advice: Iraq, 2025; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Iraq Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Iraq
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
Iraq 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 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
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 Iraq
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Iraq 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 Iraq Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iraq 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 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 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 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 all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Iraq, 2025; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC 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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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