
Road transportation
• Transportation of the body to Russia and the CIS:

Regardless of the mode of transportation (aircraft, road transport), delivery of cargo 200 is a highly responsible task, complex both documentarily and organisationally.
This procedure requires compliance with specific conditions (storage, transportation of the body) and involves the preparation of numerous permit documents for the transportation of cargo.
South Africa is home to approximately 60 million people and serves as the economic hub of the African continent. Its major cities include Johannesburg — the financial capital with a metropolitan population of around 6 million — Cape Town, the legislative capital with approximately 4.6 million residents, Durban, a key port city of around 3.7 million, and Pretoria, the administrative capital. A notable community of Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian nationals resides in South Africa, primarily engaged in business, resource extraction, and international trade. The country also receives thousands of tourists from the former Soviet states each year. South Africa's main international airports are O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and King Shaka International in Durban (DUR). The distance from Johannesburg to Minsk is approximately 9,000 km, with a total transit time of around 12 to 16 hours including a connection. If you need immediate assistance, our team is available around the clock: +375 29 314-59-59.
Repatriating remains from South Africa requires compliance with both South African export regulations and Belarusian import requirements. The official death certificate is issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs. A licensed undertaker or funeral parlour — the terms used in South Africa — will arrange embalming and placement of the deceased in a sealed zinc coffin, which is required under ICAO and IATA standards for international air transport. An export permit must be obtained from the South African Department of Health. In addition, authorisation from the Russian Embassy in Pretoria is required. As South Africa has been a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention since 1994, all official documents must carry an apostille. Documents are translated into Russian; if issued in Afrikaans or other languages, certified translations are arranged accordingly. We manage the entire documentation process on your behalf — our experience ensures nothing is overlooked during this difficult time.
The transport of remains from South Africa to Belarus is carried out by air, with a transit connection. Regular routes are operated by South African Airways via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) with onward connections to Minsk (MSQ); by Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH); by Emirates via Dubai (DXB); and by Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST). The remains travel in a sealed zinc coffin enclosed in a wooden crate, in full compliance with ICAO and IATA cargo regulations. The total timeframe from the initiation of the process to arrival in Minsk is typically 2 to 3 days, accounting for document preparation and transit logistics. We coordinate directly with airline cargo departments to confirm bookings, prepare all required cargo documentation, and ensure uninterrupted handling throughout the journey.
The time difference between South Africa (UTC+2) and Belarus (UTC+3) is just one hour, which facilitates real-time coordination without significant delays. Our team communicates fluently in both Russian and English, ensuring that families — whether based in South Africa or Belarus — can receive clear and consistent updates at every stage. South Africa is a multi-faith country: the majority of the population is Christian, with significant Hindu and Muslim communities. We are respectful of the religious and cultural traditions of each family when planning the repatriation. The Russian Embassy and Consulate is located in Pretoria and handles consular authorisation for the transport of Russian nationals. Ukrainian and Belarusian nationals may require coordination with their respective embassies; we assist with this as well. Reach us at any hour: +375 29 314-59-59, or via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram.
The cost of repatriation from South Africa to Belarus is calculated individually for each case. The final figure depends on the city of departure — Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban — the chosen airline route, the scope of documentation required, and any additional services. All costs are set out clearly in a written contract before any work begins; there are no hidden charges or unexpected additions. An initial consultation by phone or messenger is provided at no cost. Repatriation.by has been operating since 2009 and has assisted families with repatriations from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our role is to carry the full logistical and administrative burden so that you and your family can focus on what truly matters. Please call us at +375 29 314-59-59 — we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
The required documents include: an official death certificate from the South African Department of Home Affairs; an export permit from the Department of Health; embalming and zinc coffin sealing certificates issued by the funeral parlour; authorisation from the Russian Embassy in Pretoria; an apostille on all official documents (South Africa is a Hague Convention signatory since 1994); and certified Russian-language translations. We coordinate and manage the entire documentation package on behalf of the family.
Yes. International air transport of human remains is governed by ICAO and IATA regulations, which require embalming and placement of the remains in a hermetically sealed zinc coffin enclosed in a wooden outer crate. These requirements apply to all departures from South African airports including JNB, CPT, and DUR. Our partner funeral parlours in South Africa ensure full compliance with these standards.
The full process typically takes 2 to 3 days from the initial request to arrival in Minsk. The majority of this time is spent completing the South African documentation — obtaining the death certificate, export permits, and apostille. The flight itself, with a connection through Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt, or Istanbul, takes approximately 12 to 16 hours. Once documents are in order, the air cargo can be booked on the earliest available flight.
The cost is calculated on a case-by-case basis and depends on the departure city (Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban), the air route selected, and the documentation required. All costs are detailed in a written contract with no hidden fees. We provide a preliminary cost estimate free of charge. Please call +375 29 314-59-59 or contact us via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram for an individual calculation.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays in both South Africa and Belarus. Call us at +375 29 314-59-59 at any hour. The same number is active on WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram. Your call will be answered immediately by a specialist who can advise you on the next steps and begin the coordination process without delay.