Repatriation
When someone dies abroad, you should not have to deal with two countries' paperwork, an airline and customs on your own. Make one call. We coordinate with the funeral home abroad, fly your loved one to Nairobi, clear them at JKIA and bring them home to the village.
How it works, by country
United States
- A licensed US funeral home prepares, embalms and seals the remains, and books the airline.
- The US death certificate and the burial transit permit come from the state where the death occurred.
- The Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC, or the relevant Kenyan consulate, issues its clearance.
United Kingdom
- If the death was reported to a coroner, the coroner must give permission for the body to leave the country, which can add time.
- A UK funeral director prepares and seals the remains to airline standards.
- The Kenya High Commission in London issues its clearance.
Gulf states
- The employer or sponsor is often responsible for costs and paperwork under the employment contract. We work with them.
- Police and hospital clearances are issued locally before the remains can leave.
- The Kenyan embassy or consulate issues its clearance.
Elsewhere
- We work with partner funeral homes in many countries. Tell us where your loved one is and we will advise on the process.
Documents usually required
- Passport of the deceased, proof of identity and Kenyan citizenship
- Death certificate from the country of death, translated into English where needed
- Embalming certificate
- Certificate that the remains are free of infectious disease
- Export or transit permit from the country of death
- Clearance from the Kenyan embassy or high commission
- Airway bill for the cargo booking
- Port health clearance on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which we handle in Nairobi
Requirements vary by country and by airline. Do not worry if you do not have these yet. We tell you exactly what is needed and help obtain it.
What it costs
US$5,000 to 10,000
Typical total, depending on the country, the airline and the paperwork. You receive an itemised quote before anything is booked.
The quote covers
- Preparation, embalming and an air transport casket abroad
- Documents, translations and permits in the country of death
- Airfreight to Nairobi, priced by weight and route
- Clearance at JKIA and our coordination fee
- Transport from JKIA to the mortuary or the home county
All payments are taken in Kenya shillings, at the exchange rate on the day.