Funeral repatriation guidance
Repatriation from Taiwan to the UK
Bringing your loved one home. We are here 24 hours a day.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246Quick answer
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.
Process verified May 2026, how we verify
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
Cost
What does repatriation from Taiwan cost?
Every case is different, so we do not quote a figure until we know the details. Contact us for a case-specific estimate with no obligation.
What the cost depends on
- Whether a post-mortem or inquest is required
- Distance and location, including island or remote transfers
- Documentation and certification needed for Taiwan
- Whether travel insurance covers repatriation
- Air freight availability and timing
Travel insurance with repatriation cover often meets the full cost. Without insurance, the family is responsible for costs directly; the embassy and consulate cannot pay repatriation expenses. How we verify our information.
Travel insurance
Check whether your policy, or the deceased's policy, includes repatriation cover. If it does, the insurer typically appoints and funds the funeral director directly.
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.
Just found out? Start here
If a death in Taiwan has just occurred and you are not sure what to do first, our step-by-step guide explains everything from the first call through to bringing your loved one home.
What to do if someone dies in TaiwanCity guides
Repatriation from specific cities in Taiwan
For more specific guidance based on where the death occurred, see our city-level guides.
Route guides
Repatriation routes from Taiwan
Bringing someone from Taiwan to a country other than the UK? These route guides cover the documentation, timeline and process for each corridor.
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. Process and costs verified May 2026. How we verify information.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Full guide: what to do if someone dies in Taiwan · Frequently asked questions