What to do if someone dies in Mozambique

When a British National Dies in Mozambique

The first hours after a death in Mozambique are disorienting. The country is beautiful and, for most British visitors, entirely unfamiliar in its administrative structure. Portuguese is the official language. Every official document is issued in Portuguese. The police, the hospitals, the civil registrar — all operate in Portuguese, and certified English translations are a legal requirement before any UK authority will accept the paperwork.

Call the British High Commission Maputo immediately. They operate an emergency line 24 hours a day. They will advise on the specific steps required and help you contact a licensed local funeral director.

Step 1: Report the Death to Mozambican Authorities

All deaths must be reported to the local civil registrar (Conservatória do Registo Civil) and, for sudden or unnatural deaths, to the Polícia de Investigação Criminal (PIC). The PIC is the criminal investigation police; they handle any death that is not confirmed natural. Do not move or disturb the body before the PIC arrives.

The PIC will open a case file. They will determine whether a formal investigation is required. For deaths clearly natural in cause — confirmed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic — the PIC may issue clearance quickly. For drowning, accident, or any death where cause is uncertain, expect a more detailed investigation.

Step 2: Post-Mortem at Hospital Central de Maputo

The Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal, based at Hospital Central de Maputo (HCM), carries out official post-mortems. For deaths outside Maputo, this means the body will be transferred to the capital before the forensic examination can begin. This journey adds time. For deaths on the coast or in the north, allow two to three days for the transfer alone.

The Government Pathologist issues a post-mortem report in Portuguese. This report, along with the PIC clearance letter and the death certificate, forms the core of the documentation required for international transport.

Step 3: Ministry of Health Export Permit

Once the PIC and pathologist processes are complete, the Ministry of Health issues the laissez-passer mortuaire — the international body transit document that authorises transport out of Mozambique. This document is issued in Portuguese and must be translated into English before UK authorities will accept it.

Do not arrange flights before this document is in hand. Airlines will not accept human remains cargo without it.

Step 4: Embalming and Preparation

Embalming to IATA P650 standards is required before international air transport. A licensed Mozambican funeral director in Maputo carries out this preparation. The embalming certificate is part of the documentation package.

The body travels in an approved zinc-lined casket or airtight container. The funeral director arranges this.

Step 5: Routing Back to the UK

There are no direct flights between Mozambique and the UK. Maputo International Airport (MPM) connects to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB). From Johannesburg, cargo routes to London Heathrow or Gatwick with long-haul carriers. Transit through South Africa requires compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) standards, which adds documentation but does not typically add significant delay if the cargo agent is experienced.

Step 6: UK Arrival Formalities

On arrival in the UK, a UK death certificate is issued by the local registrar after the coroner’s review (if applicable). The family then proceeds with funeral arrangements through a UK funeral director.

Translation: The Critical Step

Every document in this chain is in Portuguese. Certified translators who hold CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) qualification or equivalent must translate the death certificate, post-mortem report, PIC clearance, and Ministry of Health permit. A specialist repatriation firm will have established relationships with qualified translators. Attempting to arrange translations independently from the UK is time-consuming and risks producing documents that do not meet the required standard.

Getting Help

Repatriate Service works with licensed local partners in Mozambique and manages the full documentation chain, translations, embalming, cargo routing, and UK arrival formalities. Call us directly for immediate assistance.