A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The final price depends on the airport routing from Lagos. We confirm a firm quote at first contact, with no hidden costs.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
Britain is home to one of the largest Nigerian communities in the world, and bringing a loved one back to the UK from Lagos is a route we handle often. A death in Lagos brings together the registration of the death, a health clearance, the preparation required for a long-haul flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), and the receiving arrangements in the UK. We coordinate all of it across time zones, so the family never has to travel to Nigeria or deal with offices there directly. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Nigeria is an English-speaking country and its official documents are issued in English, so no translation is usually needed for the UK. Where a Nigerian document has to be formally recognised, it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Nigeria High Commission.
The death is registered locally with the registry office in Lagos State — part of the National Population Commission — which issues the Nigerian death certificate. A local funeral director usually handles the registration and prepares the deceased for the journey, arranging the embalming and the sealed metal casket that a long-haul flight requires. The Ministry of Health provides the freedom-from-infection declaration, and a coroner gives permission to remove the body from the country.
The deceased travels with the Nigerian death certificate, the coroner's permission to remove the body and the deceased's passport, the freedom-from-infection declaration, and confirmation that the body has been embalmed and placed in a sealed metal casket. Where a death was sudden or unexplained, the coroner's enquiries must be completed before permission is given, and this is the most common reason a timeline runs longer.
For international carriage the deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed metal casket, with a certificate confirming the preparation. The journey is made by air as cargo on a scheduled flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport into a UK airport. Our team works with the Lagos funeral director to collect the deceased, complete the airline documentation, and manage the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. For a burial, the Nigerian death certificate is generally sufficient. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must give authority first — this is Cremation Form 6, issued once the coroner is satisfied there is no need for further investigation (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. We liaise with the coroner's office so this is in place when the deceased arrives.
Where the family's faith calls for a prompt burial, we understand how hard the distance and formalities can feel. We move as quickly as the Nigerian authorities allow and keep you informed so the UK arrangements can be ready.
A repatriation from Lagos typically takes 5–7 days from first contact. The timing depends on how quickly the registry issues the death certificate, the Ministry of Health issues the freedom-from-infection declaration, the embalming and preparation are completed, and a suitable flight is available. Where a coroner's enquiries are needed, release can take longer.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We quote a firm price for the services included at first contact, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the airport routing from Lagos and local funeral-home and administrative fees. The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death. Families are often unaware that a UK estate, a life-insurance policy or a community fund may cover part of the cost, and we are glad to talk this through openly.
We manage the Nigerian formalities, the airline logistics and the UK reception as one coordinated process, across time zones, keeping the family informed at every stage and remaining contactable 24/7. Many of the families we help are part of the Nigerian community here, and we understand how much it matters that a loved one is brought home with dignity.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
The deceased travels with the Nigerian death certificate from the Lagos State registry or National Population Commission, the coroner's permission to remove the body together with the deceased's passport, and a freedom-from-infection declaration, with the body embalmed and placed in a sealed metal casket.
Nigerian documents are issued in English, so no translation is needed for the UK. We obtain everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact.
The timing depends on how quickly the registry issues the death certificate, the Ministry of Health issues the freedom-from-infection declaration, the embalming and preparation are completed, and a suitable flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport is available. Where a coroner's enquiries are needed, release can take longer.
No. We coordinate directly with the Lagos funeral director, the registry, the Ministry of Health and the airline across time zones, so the family does not need to travel or make calls to offices in Nigeria.
The process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation.
Yes. Many of the families we help are part of the large Nigerian community in Britain and choose to bring their loved one home to the UK for the funeral. A burial can generally proceed on the Nigerian death certificate; a cremation in England and Wales needs the coroner's authority first.
Where your faith calls for a prompt burial, we move as quickly as the Nigerian authorities allow and prepare the UK arrangements in parallel.
We confirm a firm, all-in quote at first contact, with no hidden costs. It covers the Nigerian documentation, embalming and the sealed metal casket, the health clearance, the flight to the UK and handover to your funeral director.
The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
