What to do if someone dies in Martinique

What to Do When Someone Dies in Martinique

Martinique is an overseas department and region of France in the eastern Caribbean. It is legally part of France — the same civil law that applies in Paris applies in Fort-de-France. All documentation is in French and routing to the UK goes via Paris CDG.

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 Martinique on a non-resident basis.

Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities

The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered with the mairie (town hall) of the commune where the death occurred. Non-natural deaths require clearance from the Gendarmerie nationale or Police nationale before funeral arrangements proceed.

Register the death with the British Embassy, Paris.

Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation

The mairie issues an acte de décès in French. A certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner. Your specialist repatriation firm arranges this.

Step 3: Prepare the Documentation

Step 4: Arrange the Flight

Direct Air France flights from Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), approximately 9 hours. UK connections from CDG are frequent.

Step 5: 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, Martinique/France (last reviewed 2025); French civil registration system (Code civil); FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy Paris.