Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Zimbabwe to the United States
For families bringing someone home to the United States. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Zimbabwe to the United States: what to expect
Repatriation from Zimbabwe to the United States follows Zimbabwe's civil registration and export procedures. Most cases take 2-4 weeks.
- Key document: death certificate (Registrar General's Department)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Zimbabwe is a Hague Apostille member (2014). This simplifies document authentication.
- All English-language documentation requires certified English translation where needed.
Step by step
Timeline: Zimbabwe to the United States
Immediate steps after death. Report to local emergency services and contact a specialist.
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (registrar general's department) obtained from Registrar General of Births and Deaths.
Registration must occur promptly. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) investigates violent or sudden deaths. Clearance is required before release.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Embassy or consulate notified. Notify US Embassy or Consulate. US Dept of State emergency: 1-888-407-4747.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for international air transport.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits and authenticated documents obtained. Death certificates are in English. Hague Apostille authentication applies for member countries (since 2014).
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Harare (HRE) or Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport Bulawayo (BUQ) to JFK, LAX, ORD, MIA, or the nearest major gateway.
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
US funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal. CDC importation checks apply.
Within 24-48 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Zimbabwe
Contact emergency services (999 or 112). Death must be registered with the Registrar General's Department, usually within 30 days. The Zimbabwe Republic Police takes jurisdiction for violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. Death certificates are issued in English. Zimbabwe is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Zimbabwean Embassy in the country of origin.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Zimbabwe to the United States
US Embassy or Consulate in Zimbabwe: contact details vary by country. US Dept of State emergency: 1-888-407-4747 (from US) or +1-202-501-4444.
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Zimbabwe to the United States takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: death certificate (Registrar General's Department), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. Death certificates are in English. Hague Apostille authentication applies for member countries (since 2014).
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CDC importation requirements apply. The state records office must be notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay. All documentation from Zimbabwe must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.
Yes. Cremation in Zimbabwe is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.
In United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. CDC importation requirements apply. The state records office must be notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
US Embassy or Consulate in Zimbabwe: contact details vary by country. US Dept of State emergency: 1-888-407-4747 (from US) or +1-202-501-4444.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Zimbabwe, 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 United States.
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 Zimbabwe (gov.uk) · Zimbabwe repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions