Repatriation · Abroad to Kenya
Bringing your loved one home to Kenya
When a loved one dies abroad, we bring them home. We work with the funeral home in the country of death, handle the documents and embassy clearance, receive your loved one at JKIA and take them to the family anywhere in Kenya.
Inbound repatriation
We coordinate every stage, from abroad to home
Losing someone far from home is one of the hardest things a family can face. Whether your loved one died in London, Dallas, Dubai, Doha or anywhere else, Adios Funeral Services brings them home with dignity.
You can reach us from Kenya or from abroad. We speak with the hospital or funeral home in the country of death, tell them exactly what Kenya requires, and keep the family updated until your loved one is home.
Start on WhatsAppOur network
Where is your loved one?
Choose the country for a guide to repatriation from there to Kenya.
From the UK
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester and the rest of the UK.
Repatriation from the UKFrom the USA
Texas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Georgia, Maryland and every other state.
Repatriation from the USAFrom the UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates.
Repatriation from the UAEFrom Qatar
Doha and the rest of Qatar.
Repatriation from QatarFrom Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other cities.
Repatriation from Saudi ArabiaFrom India
Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and the rest of India.
Repatriation from IndiaAnother country? We also bring loved ones home from Canada, Australia, Europe, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, South Africa and anywhere else. Tell us where on WhatsApp.
Requirements
Documents usually needed
The funeral home abroad prepares most of these. We tell them what Kenya requires and check every document before the flight.
- Death certificate issued in the country of death
- Medical cause of death, or the coroner's or post-mortem report
- Embalming certificate
- Certificate that the casket is sealed and fit for air transport
- Permit to remove the body from that country (for example, the coroner's "Out of England" form in England and Wales)
- The deceased's passport, or a copy
- Clearance from the Kenyan embassy or high commission
- Airline cargo booking and air waybill
Requirements differ from country to country. Ask us and we will confirm the list for your case.
Cremated remains
Bringing ashes home
Some families choose cremation abroad and bring the ashes home. They travel with the cremation certificate and the death certificate, either as air cargo or with a family member, subject to the airline's rules.
We receive the ashes, deliver them to the family, and can arrange a memorial service or interment anywhere in Kenya.
Paying for repatriation
Before the family fundraises, check travel, life or employer insurance, diaspora welfare associations, church groups and last expense covers. Many include repatriation, and we provide the documents they ask for.
Arrival in Kenya
What happens when your loved one lands at JKIA
Flight tracked
We follow the flight from departure and confirm the arrival time with the family.
Cargo collection
On landing at JKIA, Nairobi, we present the documents at the cargo terminal.
Health & customs clearance
We complete port health and customs clearance on the family's behalf.
Received with dignity
Our team receives your loved one and transfers the casket to our hearse.
Home to the family
We drive to a Nairobi mortuary or directly to the family home in any county.
The funeral
If the family wishes, we arrange the hearse, coffin, flowers and burial setup.
What we handle for you
- Coordination with the funeral home and hospital abroad
- Checking documents and Kenyan embassy clearance
- Airline cargo booking and flight tracking
- Port health and customs clearance at JKIA
- Clear updates for the family at every step
After arrival
- Airport collection in one of our hearses
- Transport to any of the 47 counties
- Coffins and caskets, if a change is wanted, from our showroom
- Funeral flowers and graveside setup
- Full funeral planning if the family needs it
FAQs
Bringing a loved one home to Kenya: common questions
How much does it cost to bring a body home to Kenya?
It depends on the country of death, the airline's cargo charges, the funeral home's fees abroad, the documents and embassy fees, and the distance from JKIA to the burial home. Tell us where your loved one is and where the burial will be, and we will explain each cost so the family can plan and fundraise.
How long does repatriation to Kenya take?
The biggest factor is how quickly the death is registered and the documents are issued in the country of death. A coroner's inquiry or post-mortem abroad can add time. Once the paperwork is complete, the flight is booked on the next suitable cargo connection to Nairobi. We give you a realistic estimate on the first call and update you at every stage.
Can we arrange everything from Kenya?
Yes. Many families contact us from Kenya. We work with the funeral home in the country of death on your behalf, so you do not need to travel. If you have relatives abroad, we can coordinate with them too.
What documents are needed to bring a body to Kenya?
Usually the death certificate, the medical cause of death or post-mortem report, an embalming certificate, a certificate that the casket is sealed, the permit to remove the body from that country, the deceased's passport, and clearance from the Kenyan embassy or high commission. The exact list depends on the country, and we confirm it for your case.
Is embalming needed?
For international flights, the body is normally embalmed and placed in a sealed, airline-approved casket. The funeral home abroad does this, and we check the embalming certificate before the flight.
Can you receive cremated remains (ashes)?
Yes. If the family chooses cremation abroad, the ashes can come home with the cremation and death certificates. We receive them and can arrange a memorial service or interment anywhere in Kenya. See our cremation services.
Can you take my loved one upcountry from JKIA?
Yes. Our hearse collects your loved one at JKIA and drives to a Nairobi mortuary or directly to the family home in any of the 47 counties. See body transport across Kenya.
Will insurance pay for repatriation?
Often it does. Travel, life and employer group insurance, diaspora welfare associations and last expense covers frequently include repatriation. We provide the documents insurers and employers ask for.
Explore more
Related repatriation services
Need to bring a loved one home?
Call or WhatsApp us at any hour, from anywhere in the world. We will explain the process and the next steps, with no obligation.