Funeral repatriation guidance
Repatriation from Taiwan to the UK
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How long does repatriation from Taiwan to the UK take?
Most repatriations from Taiwan complete in 18 to 25 days. Taiwan is not a Strasbourg Convention signatory. The Institute of Forensic Medicine conducts post-mortems for unnatural deaths, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare issues the export permit. EVA Air flies direct from Taipei Taoyuan to London Heathrow.
- Fastest cases (natural death in hospital, documentation clear): 10 days.
- Average cases (IFM forensic post-mortem, Ministry of Health permit): 18 to 25 days.
- Complex cases (criminal investigation, disputed circumstances): 30 to 45 days.
- EVA Air and China Airlines operate direct London Heathrow to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) flights.
- Cremation is available and widely practiced in Taiwan.
Taiwan's diplomatic status is unlike any other country on this list. The UK does not maintain formal embassy-level relations with Taiwan. The British Office Taipei (BOT) provides consular services, but it operates under a different legal and administrative framework than a standard British Embassy. Contact the BOT immediately and ask specifically how they handle repatriation documentation � do not assume the standard embassy process applies.
Step by step
The repatriation process from Taiwan
Here is what happens after a death in Taiwan, and what you or your appointed coordinator needs to do at each stage.
What you will need
Documents required for repatriation from Taiwan
The following documents must be obtained before your loved one can be transported to the UK. Your local funeral director will help gather most of these.
We handle the paperwork
Our team coordinates with local funeral directors in Taiwan to ensure all documentation is obtained correctly and on time.
What to expect
How long does repatriation from Taiwan take?
Timelines vary depending on the circumstances of the death and the speed of local authorities. Here is a realistic guide.
Best case
10 days
Natural death, straightforward documentation, no post-mortem required.
Typical case
18-25 days
Most repatriations from Repatriation from Taiwan to the UK fall within this range.
Complex case
30-45 days
Post-mortem, inquest, criminal investigation, or remote location involved.
Factors that can extend the timeline
- Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) under the Ministry of Justice conducts post-mortems for unnatural or suspicious deaths
- Taiwan's complex diplomatic status means the British Office Taipei (BOT) provides consular services in lieu of a formal embassy  processes may take slightly longer than in countries with full embassy presence
- Ministry of Health and Welfare must issue the export permit after death certificate registration and police investigation closure
- Traditional Chinese documentation requires certified English translation
- All documents must be authenticated through appropriate channels given Taiwan's non-UN-member status
Typical costs
How much does repatriation from Taiwan cost?
Structured reference
Cost and requirement tables for Taiwan
The tables below provide a clean reference format for quick comparison and extraction.
Repatriation cost and timeline summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Best case timeline | 10 days |
| Typical timeline | 18-25 days |
| Complex case timeline | 30-45 days |
Required documents summary
| Requirement | Type |
|---|
Official support
British Embassy and consulates in Taiwan
The British Embassy can provide assistance and information, but cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact them as early as possible.
City guides
Repatriation from specific cities in Taiwan
For more specific guidance based on where the death occurred, see our city-level guides.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Taiwan, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated May 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Full guide: what to do if someone dies in Taiwan · Frequently asked questions