Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in New Caledonia
This guide explains what happens after a death in New Caledonia, 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 New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France in the South Pacific, approximately 18,900 km from the UK. French civil law applies and all official documentation is in French. Deaths on outer islands (Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines) require inter-island Air Calédonie transfer to Nouméa 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 New Caledonia on a non-resident basis.
Check the Security Situation First
New Caledonia has experienced periods of significant civil unrest, including in 2024. Check the FCDO travel advice page for New Caledonia before and during travel for current conditions. If civil unrest is active, contact the FCDO immediately — it may affect local services and travel movements.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered with the Service de l’État Civil. 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: Outer Island Transfer
Deaths on the Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou, Ouvéa) or the Isle of Pines require inter-island Air Calédonie transfer to Nouméa. Arrange this through a local funeral director or via your specialist firm.
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.
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 Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) flights from La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), approximately 22 hours. Connections via Sydney (SYD) or Auckland (AKL) are alternatives.
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, New Caledonia (last reviewed 2025); Service de l’État Civil, Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie; 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
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Cost guide
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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 June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions