Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Mayotte
This guide explains what happens after a death in Mayotte, 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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FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Mayotte
Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Comoros archipelago, Indian Ocean. It is legally part of France — French civil law applies in full. All documentation is in French. Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport cannot handle wide-body jets, so there is no direct mainland France connection — routing via Réunion or Madagascar is required.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Paris (+33 1 44 51 31 00) handles Mayotte on a non-resident basis.
Check the Security Situation First
Mayotte has experienced civil unrest and a significant migration crisis in recent years. Check the FCDO travel advice page for Mayotte before and during travel for current conditions. Local services may be affected.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered with the mairie 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: Islamic Burial Timing
Mayotte’s population is approximately 97% Muslim. Islamic tradition calls for burial within 24 hours of death. If the deceased or the family observes this tradition, discuss urgency with the Gendarmerie and local funeral director immediately — French civil registration requirements take precedence under law but authorities are aware of the religious dimension.
Step 3: 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.
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 notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
No cremation is available in Mayotte.
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
From Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport (DZD):
- Air Austral or Corsair to Réunion (RUN), then Air France RUN–Paris CDG
- Via Antananarivo, Madagascar (TNR) then onward to Paris
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, Mayotte (last reviewed 2025); French civil registration system (Code civil); Préfecture de Mayotte; 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