Death is a time of crisis for one’s family no matter where it takes place. If death occurs overseas, the experience can be even more traumatic, especially if the procedures involved in documenting the death and repatriating the deceased to the United States are not clearly understood. In case of death abroad, the U.S. Embassy works with the deceased’s next of kin to produce a U.S. certificate of death, and if desired, to help repatriate remains. You can reach the Consular Section to report the death of a U.S. citizen seven days a week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements for importing human remains to the United States depend on whether the body has been embalmed or cremated, or if the person died from a quarantinable communicable disease. Please see https://www.cdc.gov/importation/human-remains.html for more details.
You will find the Disposition of Remains Report for Algeria below. This consular document describes funeral and repatriation procedures in Algeria.
Disposition of Remains Report – Algeria
Mortuary Service Providers
DISCLAIMER: The U.S. Embassy, Algiers, Algeria assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the funeral directors, morticians, and other service providers.
Pompes Funèbres l’Express
Lot Friri N°03 El Hamiz, Dar El Beida, Algiers
Tel: 0661-71-19-19 or 0557-95-95-95 or 0670-18-17-17
Email: pfemostefaoui@gmail.com
Sarl Salam Services Ambulance
15, Rue El Hakim Ben Smain Boumediene, Oran
Tel: 0550-120-606 or 0661-201-604
Pompes Funèbres Modernes
30 rue du CNRA, 23000 Annaba
Tel : 038-86-54-69
Fax : 038-86-21-29
SOS Algérie Assistance Service
Houari Boumediène International Airport, Dar El Beida, Algiers
021-50-76-44
Fax: 021-50-77-77
Maximum Period before Burial
Algerian law does not specify a period of time within which burial of remains must take place, regardless of whether the remains have been embalmed or not. Remains may be buried as soon as a death certificate is issued. Algerian custom follows Islamic tradition where a burial takes place within 24 hours of death when possible. Except in very exceptional circumstances, burials should take place within a maximum of 48 hours following death. This applies to interments in Algeria. When the cause of death is not natural, the period before burial may be extended. If necessary for burial arrangements outside of Algeria, a hospital mortuary can keep embalmed remains for several months.
Embalming
A mortuary embalmer may perform embalming. There is no official time limitation within which a body must be embalmed. Embalmment is not a customary practice in Algeria, except when remains are transported cross country, so providers and practice are limited.
Cremation
There have been no facilities for cremation in Algeria since 1987.
Caskets and Containers
The official mortuary service confirms that Algerian caskets adhere to international standards and meet U.S. requirements. It consists of two caskets, one galvanized zinc coffin and one wooden coffin, which are subject to a security check by local authorities prior to being moved to the airport.
Exportation of Remains
To export human remains, the following documents are required by Algerian authorities:
- Coroner’s report
- Official Death Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health
- Certificate of Non-Contagion
- Mortuary Certificate
- Mortuary travel permit or Laissez Passer issued by the Ministry of Interior
- Police Clearance Letter
- Export permit
Local authorities require that the Public Health Authorities at the Algerian port of embarkation issue an export permit,
The permit obtained by the mortuary service contains date of issuance, name of deceased, sex, race, age, cause and date of death.
Algerian authorities will not issue an export permit until the consular officer provides the name of the funeral home in the U.S. receiving the remains.
Local regulations regarding exportation of bodies require that the remains be placed in a hermetically sealed oak casket, lead or zinc lined, which is then placed in a container of strong wood of a thickness of at least 26 millimeters and strapped with steel bands. The law requires that a police officer be present to witness the sealing of the casket.
Exportation of Human Cremains/Ashes
Not performed in Algeria.
Exhumation and Shipment
Exhumation is authorized by the Wilaya (provincial) government upon receipt of an authorization certificate from the Ministry of Health.
Autopsy
An autopsy is performed by the local police when a death involves suspicious circumstances. The family of the deceased can also request an autopsy be performed at the family’s discretion.
Local Customs Regarding Mourning and Funerals
In Algeria, mourning customs for the deceased begin with ritual washing of the body and a wake before burial. Mourners transport the deceased to the burial site in a procession by foot or vehicle. The deceased is buried in a white cloth and not in a coffin. Except in parts of the Kabylia, only men attend the ceremony at the cemetery.
