Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in French Polynesia
This guide explains what happens after a death in French Polynesia, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
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+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific — 15,700 km from the UK. French civil law applies and all official documentation is in French. If the death occurred on an outer island, the body must reach Papeete on Tahiti before international repatriation can begin.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately — this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The British Embassy Paris (+33 1 44 51 31 00) handles French Polynesia on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Notify the Service de l’État Civil — the civil registration office for the commune or administrative area. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Gendarmerie nationale (most areas) or Police nationale (Papeete) before any funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, Paris.
Step 2: Outer Island Transfer
If the death occurred on Bora Bora, Moorea, the Marquesas, Tuamotu atolls, Austral Islands, or Gambier Islands, the body must be transferred to Papeete (Tahiti) by Air Tahiti before international repatriation can proceed. Arrange this through a local funeral director or via your specialist firm. Add significant extra time for very remote locations.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The Service de l’État Civil issues an acte de décès in French. A certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner. Your specialist firm arranges this.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Acte de décès + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Gendarmerie/Police clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Certificat d’embaumement | International air transport requirement |
| Certificat de non-contagion | Customs and quarantine |
| Autorisation de sortie du territoire | Export permit |
| Consular registration | British Embassy, Paris |
| UK Coroner import permission | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Direct Air France and Air Tahiti Nui flights from Faa’a International Airport (PPT) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), approximately 22 hours. UK connections from CDG are frequent.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, French Polynesia (last reviewed 2025); Service de l’État Civil, Government of French Polynesia; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy Paris.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated May 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions