What to do if someone dies in Kuwait

When a British National Dies in Kuwait

Kuwait is a medium-complexity Gulf repatriation. Kuwait Airways operates direct flights to London Heathrow, which removes the additional complication of connecting via Dubai or Doha. But the documentation process for unnatural deaths involves two separate authorities, and all official documents are in Arabic, requiring certified English translation before UK arrival procedures can be completed.

Call the British Embassy Kuwait City on their emergency line as your immediate first step.

Step 1: Natural Death vs Unnatural Death

The first distinction that determines the entire process is whether the death was confirmed natural by a Ministry of Health physician.

For natural deaths in hospital with a clear medical cause, a Ministry of Health physician issues the death certificate (Shahada Al-Wafah) directly. The process then moves to the Ministry of Health export permit stage without CID or Public Prosecution involvement.

For all other deaths — sudden, unexplained, or in public — the Ministry of Interior’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) takes control.

Step 2: CID Investigation

The CID investigates all non-natural deaths. The investigation scope depends on circumstances. It involves scene examination, witness statements, and, where required, a forensic post-mortem.

Do not make any arrangements to move the body while the CID investigation is open.

Step 3: Public Prosecution Release Order

Once the CID investigation concludes, the case passes to the Public Prosecution (Al-Niyaba Al-Amma). The Public Prosecution reviews the investigation file and issues a formal release order before the body can be released for preparation.

This two-stage process — CID then Public Prosecution — is the primary reason Kuwait repatriations take longer than some other Gulf destinations.

Step 4: Ministry of Health Export Permit

With the Public Prosecution release order in place, the Ministry of Health issues the export permit. The British Embassy can assist with progress-chasing this document. Ask the embassy to make a formal representation if there is unexplained delay.

Step 5: Document Translation

All official Kuwaiti documents are in Arabic. Every document in the chain requires certified English translation before UK entry formalities can be completed. Use a translator accredited by the UK Embassy or a court-approved translator; unofficial translations are not accepted.

Documents requiring translation:

• Death certificate
• CID clearance letter
• Public Prosecution release order
• Ministry of Health export permit

Step 6: Embalming and Preparation

Embalming to IATA P650 standards is required. Licensed funeral directors in Kuwait City handle this. The Kuwaiti funeral director must certify the preparation before cargo booking.

Cremation is not available; Kuwait is governed by Islamic law.

Step 7: Cargo Booking

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is the only international departure point. Kuwait Airways operates direct flights to London Heathrow. Cargo capacity for human remains must be pre-booked through an approved IATA cargo handler in Kuwait City. Capacity is not guaranteed on every departure date.

Do not confirm travel plans to family until the cargo slot is secured.

Step 8: UK Arrival Formalities

On arrival at London Heathrow, the coroner reviews the case. The certified translations must accompany all original documents in the cargo consignment notes. A UK death certificate is then issued by the local registrar.

Getting Help

Repatriate Service manages the full Kuwait process, including British Embassy liaison, CID tracking, Public Prosecution documentation, certified translation, and Kuwait Airways cargo booking. Contact us immediately — the process cannot begin until the CID stage is formally initiated.