Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia
For families bringing someone home to Saudi Arabia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals work in Saudi Arabia in construction and manufacturing, recruited under Vietnam's overseas labour programme. Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have bilateral labour agreements. The Saudi Embassy in Hanoi handles document authentication. Vietnamese documentation requires certified Arabic translation. This is a growing corridor reflecting Vietnam's expanding overseas labour programme.
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- Saudi Arabia Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Vietnam
Call 113 for police or 115 for ambulance. A licensed physician must certify the death. Unexpected deaths and road accidents trigger police notification. Death registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). The giay chung tu is issued in Vietnamese only.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to Saudi Arabia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local civil registry. Giay chung tu issued.
Certificate in Vietnamese only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Saudi Arabia Embassy in Hanoi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Choose correct consulate based on location of death.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Available in Hanoi and HCMC.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation completed
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Saudi Arabia funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Saudi Arabia
When the body arrives in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government mortuary or funeral home takes custody at King Khalid International (RUH, Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International (JED, Jeddah), or King Fahd International (DMM, Dammam) cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health approval is required before the remains can be received. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the country of origin. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification and procedures. (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Saudi Embassy in Hanoi handles authentication of repatriation documents. Contact the Saudi Embassy in Vietnam for document legalisation requirements. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates with the receiving authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia takes 10-14 days. Most cases take 14-21 days. Road accident deaths, where police must complete their investigation, can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Giay chung tu (Vietnamese death certificate) with certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Saudi Arabia Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The Saudi government mortuary takes custody at King Khalid (RUH), King Abdulaziz (JED), or King Fahd (DMM) cargo terminal. Saudi Ministry of Health clearance is required in advance. All documents must be authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the origin country. Non-Muslim remains require specific certification. The family or sponsor in Saudi Arabia coordinates with the receiving authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing the ashes home to Saudi Arabia is an option. You will need the giay chung tu, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Vietnam, 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 Saudi Arabia.
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 Vietnam (gov.uk) · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions