What to do if someone dies in Jordan

Jordan is one of the more efficient Middle East repatriations for UK families. The Civil Status and Passports Department processes registrations with reasonable speed, and Royal Jordanian operates direct cargo flights to Heathrow. The process becomes more complicated for unnatural deaths, where the Ministry of Interior takes jurisdiction.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Amman

The British Embassy in Amman must be notified on the day of death. Address: Abdoun, PO Box 87, Amman 11118. Phone: +962 6 590 9200. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 1908 516666.

The Embassy registers the death with UK authorities and provides current guidance on Jordanian government requirements. Do not wait until business hours for deaths requiring investigation.

Step 2: Civil Status and Passports Department registration

Deaths are registered at the Civil Status and Passports Department in the governorate where the death occurred. The Shahadat al-Wafah (death certificate) is the official document. Hospital deaths are typically registered by the hospital. For deaths at hotels or tourist sites, the local police or Civil Defence notify the Civil Status office.

Step 3: Ministry of Interior referral (unnatural deaths)

For all unnatural, violent, or suspicious deaths, the case is referred to the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor. The Prosecutor orders a post-mortem at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital in Amman. The body cannot be released for repatriation until the Prosecutor formally closes the investigation and issues a release order.

For deaths in Petra or Wadi Rum, local police secure the scene before transfer to Amman. Allow one to three days for this transfer in addition to the investigation timeline.

Step 4: Ministry of Health export permit

The Ministry of Health issues the export permit for human remains. Required documents: death certificate, Prosecutor’s release (for unnatural deaths), post-mortem report if applicable, embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease clearance. Allow three to five days for the permit once all documents are complete.

Step 5: Embalming

Embalming is required for international repatriation. Licensed mortuaries in Amman carry out the procedure. Embalming cannot proceed until the Prosecutor has released the body in investigated cases.

Step 6: Routing to the UK

Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) has a strong cargo infrastructure. Royal Jordanian operates direct flights to London Heathrow. Cargo booking proceeds once all export documentation is in place. British Airways also operates direct routes. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Jordan; Jordanian Personal Status Law; Ministry of Health export procedures (2023).