Issuing authority and document: Tanzania is not on the public list of parties to the Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses (1973), which we consulted on 13.10.2026, so Tanzanian rules and the requirements of the Republic of Moldova apply. The British government guide for Tanzania (version of 02.03.2022, so dated) names three documents for shipping: a death certificate from the local civil registry, a certificate of embalming and a certificate giving permission to transfer the remains; the authority giving the permission is not named, so we confirm it for each case. The list of Moldovan missions (consulted 13.10.2026) shows no mission in Tanzania; we clarify with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which embassy or consulate issues the mortuary passport.
Transport: By air: in a straight line it is about 6,100 km from Dar es Salaam to Chișinău (our own calculation). The list of destinations of Chișinău airport (Wikipedia, consulted 13.10.2026) does not include Tanzania; we have not verified direct flights or connections, so the route is planned for each case. The British guide says local undertakers provide the special caskets required for international carriage of remains.
Timing: We confirm the timeline once we have the documents. The 2022 British guide says local formalities for repatriation normally take 3 to 4 days, but this is dated information for British nationals, not a promise; in some circumstances repatriation may not be possible.
Price: We will quote the price once we know the details.

Country status under the 1973 Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses: per the Council of Europe list (archived 20.05.2014) and the Netherlands treaty database; checked 11.10.2026.

Procedure

According to the British guide, the deceased is normally taken to a hospital mortuary, and storage conditions depend on the region. The guide also notes that hospital bills must be paid before the body is released.

Local undertakers have links with international ones and prepare the documents for transport; the guide advises not to delay the arrangements because of storage conditions.

Required documents

As a rule: the death certificate from the local civil registry, a certificate of embalming and a certificate giving permission to transfer the remains (according to the 2022 British guide). For Moldova we add the documents of the person applying and, if needed, a translation. We did not find Tanzania in the status table of the Hague Apostille Convention (consulted 13.10.2026), so we do not assume an apostille and agree with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs how Tanzanian documents are legalised. We have not found a newer guide, so current requirements are confirmed with the funeral director.

Specifics of Tanzania

Cremation can take place at the Hindu Crematorium in Dar es Salaam with half a day's notice; the British guide lists a notification of death, a letter of consent from the next of kin, two passport photos and a copy of the passport. The guide warns that cremations may also take place on an open-air pyre.

If the family chooses a local cremation and the ashes are taken to another country, the local undertaker prepares the necessary papers. How this applies for Moldova we confirm for your case.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the body kept in Tanzania?

According to the British government guide (2022), normally in a hospital mortuary. Conditions differ between regions, so it is better not to delay the arrangements.

Who gives permission to transfer the remains?

The British guide names the certificate giving permission to transfer but not the authority that issues it. We find out from the funeral director and the authorities for your case.

Do hospital bills have to be paid?

The British guide says hospital bills must be paid before the deceased is released. We tell you from the start which amounts and papers the particular hospital asks for.

Can we choose cremation in Tanzania?

Yes, the British guide names the Hindu Crematorium in Dar es Salaam, with advance notice, and warns that cremation may also take place on an open-air pyre. We discuss the options with the family before a decision.

Other countries

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Repatriation from Tanzania to Moldova