Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to United Arab Emirates
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals work in the UAE in professional and service roles. This corridor handles cases where a UAE-based Vietnamese national has a family member die in Vietnam and needs remains brought to the UAE. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation for UAE attestation.
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City registers the death.
- United Arab Emirates Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral home or government mortuary takes custody at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and authenticated by UAE authorities. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy in Hanoi handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Vietnam for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
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 United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact UAE Embassy in origin 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
United Arab Emirates 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
Air cargo from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to London Heathrow
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to United Arab Emirates 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 British Embassy in Hanoi covers northern Vietnam. The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City covers southern Vietnam. Both offices handle repatriation cases.
The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The UAE funeral home takes custody at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required. All documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Islamic remains require certification for Islamic burial; non-Islamic remains follow separate procedures.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing ashes home to the UK 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, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Vietnam, 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 · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions