Citizen Services
Death of an American Citizen in Tanzania
The Embassy will assist family and friends in the event of the death of an American Citizen in Tanzania. The Embassy can act as liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and help with forwarding personal effects if there is no one present to do so, on your behalf.
Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist, should be reported to the Embassy so that a “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” can be issued. This document serves as a death certificate in the United States and will be necessary to settle legal and estate matters there.
In the event of the death of an American citizen, the Embassy’s Consular Section should be notified as soon as possible. During working hours, the Section can be reached at 011 [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4122. Out side of working hours, the Duty Officer can be reached through 011 [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4111. The Section can also be reached by email at DRSACS@state.gov.
Mortuary and embalming facilities in Tanzania vary greatly and are generally not consistent with U.S. standards. In many parts of the country, including Zanzibar, there are no facilities available. Families of deceased Americans may wish to consult their hometown funeral home for guidance on how best to proceed with arrangements if the remains are retuned to the United States.
General Procedure:
When we learn of the death of an American in Tanzania, we will determine as quickly as possible who the next-of-kin of the deceased is and contact that person by telephone immediately. There are several important things that the next-of-kin must do in conjunction with the Embassy.
A. Funeral arrangements:
The following general information is provided to assist families in their initial decisions. Indicated costs are estimates, based on deaths with no unusual circumstances, and should be considered for guidance purposes only. These estimates also relate only to costs incurred in the Dar es Salaam area (inclusive of shipping). United States funeral home costs will need to be added.
The family or legal representative must pay all funeral home expenses, shipping costs of the remains and personal effects (if applicable). The Embassy will work with any funeral home selected by the family to ensure proper documentation for shipment of remains to the United States.
In the Embassy’s experience, there is only one funeral services company in Tanzania that can reliably arrange for the return of remains to the United States:
Corona Ltd.
JM Mall, Samora Av.
2nd Floor, No. 218,
PO Box 32638,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel.: 011 [255] (22) 212 2555
Fax: 011 [255] (22) 212 2900
Email: raphael@coronafunerals.com
Website: www.coronoafunerals.com
The total cost of preparation and burial in Tanzania is approximately $2,800.00. The total cost for cremation and disposition of ashes in Tanzania is approximately $2,000.00.
The total cost for preparation and air shipment to the U.S. is approximately $7,000.00 to $8,000.00. The total cost for preparation, cremation, and air shipment of ashes to the U.S. is approximately $3,000.00.
You may contact the Consular Section of the Embassy (tel: 011 [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4122; fax 011 [255] (22) 266-8247; email DRSACS@state.gov), or contact the Department of State in Washington, D.C., Tel: (202) 647-5226 for detailed instructions on how to transmit the funds.
B. Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad
The “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” is an official report that provides the essential facts concerning the death of a U.S. citizen and is based on the Tanzanian death certificate.
In order to assist you with legal matters that may arise as a result of the death of am American citizen, certified copies of the “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” prepared by the U.S. Embassy will be forwarded to the next of kin or his or her designee as soon as possible. This document is in English and can generally be used in U.S. courts to help settle estate matters, bank accounts, insurance policies, and similar matters.
The Embassy will prepare the “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” and send copies to the next-of-kin and/or legal representative. Twenty (or more if you desire) certified copies of the Report of Death are normally issued at the time of death, and will be provided free of charge.
If in the future you find that you need additional copies, submit a signed, written request including all pertinent facts along with requester's return address and telephone number. There is a $30 fee for a certified copy of Reports of Death, and a $20 fee for each additional copy provided at the same time. Please send a written request together with a check or money order made payable to the Department of State to the following address:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services Correspondence Branch
1111 19th St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20522-1705
Tel (202) 955-0307.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam at: DRSACS@state.gov if you have any further questions. You may also call the Consular Section of the Embassy at 011 [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4122. Out side of working hours, the Duty Officer can be reached through 011 [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4111.
For more information you may also refer to the following Department of State website: travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/death/death_600.html