Funerals Brought from Abroad

As with the procedures carried out within the scope of international funeral transportation services, funerals brought from abroad are also carried out with certain activities and documents of these activities. Bodies coming to Turkey from abroad are processed following the provisions of the “Agreement on the Transfer of Bodies” and the legislation of the country. The Turkish Directorate General of Health for Borders and Coasts (THSSGM), in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, identifies countries that are deemed to be risk-free in terms of public health. The “List of Risk-Free Countries for Funeral Entry” is sent to the local authorities in the entry areas at the borders and all procedures are requested to be carried out within this framework. For bodies to be transferred from other states, an assessment is made in terms of public health risk. Bodies brought from states that are assessed as risk-free in terms of public health by the DG THSSGM are not subjected to any health-related procedures during entry into Turkey. These bodies are evaluated as cargo.

The burial of the bodies of persons who are brought from states that are assessed as risk-free and who die from infectious diseases are evaluated by the health units in charge in the place where the deceased person will be buried. The coffins of such bodies cannot be opened until the final burial approval is given by the health units in charge. The entry of the bodies of deceased persons coming from countries considered risky within the framework of public health into Turkey is carried out by the health control centers located at the airports, ports, and predetermined land border gates of the THSSGM. At the entrances to Turkey where there are no centers, funerals brought from abroad are handled by health officials assigned by DG THSSGM. Bodies that meet the conditions for inter-country transportation are not subject to any health practices when they leave the country.