Embalming the Deceased

Embalming a body in the forensic medicine center usually takes less than half a day and is performed by an autopsy technician under the supervision of a physician. After embalming, the body is stored in a mortuary until the deceased’s family completes the required administrative procedures with the embassy and the airline.

Once ready, the body is placed in a coffin with a metal exterior and a wooden interior lining. After being sealed and secured, the coffin is handed over to the airline. Since this process involves air transport and requires high sensitivity and strict standards, embalming is only performed in Tehran. It is rare for forensic centers in other cities to carry out embalming.

Required Documents for Transporting a Body

To transfer a body abroad, airlines require the following documents:

• An official letter from the forensic medicine center, translated into English by a certified translation office

• The original and a copy of the deceased’s passport and other identification documents

• The forensic medicine certificate must also be signed and sealed by the embassy of the destination country in Iran

Afterwards, arrangements are made to issue the airway bill, allowing the transport of the body to the intended destination.

Storage of the Body During the Flight

During the flight, the body is placed in the aircraft’s cargo section, which is separate from the luggage area. This compartment maintains a different temperature to prevent decomposition. Embalmed bodies typically remain preserved for 48 to 72 hours.

Cost of Transporting a Body

The cost of transporting a body depends on:

• The body’s weight

• The airline carrier

• The route taken

Due to the special formalities involved, the cost is generally higher than standard cargo shipments.

For price information, you can contact us or visit the Request for Transport section.

Request for Repatriation of a Body to Iran

If an Iranian national passes away abroad, upon request from the deceased’s family and agreement to cover the costs, the necessary steps for transporting the body to Iran will be carried out by Iranian embassies or consulates.

If the deceased’s relatives reside in Iran, they may approach the Department of Records and Civil Status of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and request repatriation of the body.

Required Documents for Repatriation:

1. A completed death registration form by one of the relatives
   (Each country has its own form. If personal attendance at the embassy is not possible, the applicant can authorize someone else by completing a power of attorney form.)

2. The original international death certificate with official stamp and signature from the relevant authorities in the country of death

3. The original medical certificate stating the cause of death and confirmation of no contagious disease

4. Original national ID card (shenasnameh) of the deceased and spouse

5. The original Iranian passport of the deceased

6. A copy of the first page of the ID card or pages 2 and 3 of the passport of the applicant

Given that the death of an individual has legal and administrative consequences such as inheritance, burial arrangements, or repatriation, all Iranian nationals are advised to inform the deceased’s close relatives either in the country of death or in Iran.

Relatives of the deceased can register the death at the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate abroad by presenting the required documents, in accordance with Article 22 of the Civil Registration Law.