Funeral repatriation guidance

Repatriation from France to the UK

Timeline, process, and documentation for bringing a loved one home from France.

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7-14 days Typical timeline

4-7 days Best case

Case-dependent Post-mortem likelihood

Paris British Embassy location

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+44 7703 577246

Available around the clock for families dealing with a death in France.

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Expected timelines

How long does repatriation from France take?

Timelines depend on circumstances. Here is an honest guide to what to expect.

Best case

4-7 days

Natural death, documentation issued without delay, no post-mortem required.

Typical case

7-14 days

Standard repatriation from France. Most families experience this timeline.

Complex case

3-8 weeks (if post-mortem or investigation involved)

Post-mortem, inquest, criminal investigation, or logistically difficult location.

Factors that can extend the timeline

Post-mortem at Institut Medico Legal (reports can take months)
Criminal investigation (juge d'instruction involvement)
Tissue/organ retention for testing
Napoleonic legal code processes differ from UK common law
August closures (many offices close or run skeleton staff)
Remote/rural locations with limited English-speaking funeral directors
Ski resort deaths in winter may involve mountain rescue and investigation delays

Post-mortem in France: what you need to know

Post mortem conducted at Institut Medico Legal (IML) if ordered. Required for cases of violent, sudden, or unexplained death.. Can delay repatriation significantly. Reports sometimes take months.

Documentation

Documents required for repatriation from France

All of these must be obtained before air transport can take place.

Acte de deces (death certificate)
Embalming certificate (certificat de soins de conservation)
Permission to transfer (autorisation de transport de corps)
Freedom from infection certificate
Passport of deceased (or copy)
Airline cargo documentation

Documentation typically takes 3-7 days total to complete.

The process

Overview of the repatriation process from France

1 Immediate steps after death

2 Death registration and certificate

3 Embassy/Consulate notification

4 Embalming and preparation

5 Coffin requirements

6 Documentation for repatriation

7 Air transport to UK

8 Reception in UK

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bring a body home from France?

Can a body be transported from France to the UK by road?

How much does repatriation from France cost?

What happens if someone dies while skiing in France?

My relative died in rural France and I do not speak French. What do I do?

What is the Bereavement Support Network in France?

We are here to help, any time of day or night

If your loved one has passed away in France, please do not face this alone.

Reviewed 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 · Embassy contacts: France · Frequently asked questions