Repatriating a body: the steps in order
Bringing a loved one home is often the last thing you can do for them. It is also the heaviest procedure: two countries, several administrations and short deadlines.
The essentials
To repatriate a body, you need a funeral director authorised for international transport, the approval of the authorities of both countries, an airtight coffin for the flight and an airline that accepts this transport. Inform the consulate of the burial country on the very first day, and check insurance cover before paying.
The steps, in order
- 01
Choose a funeral director authorised for international transport
Not all of them are. They coordinate the care of the body, the coffin, the authorisations and the transport: choosing them first avoids redoing everything.
- 02
Inform the consulate of the burial country
On the very first day. It tells you which documents its country requires to receive the body and, depending on the country, issues the mortuary laissez-passer.
- 03
Have the death certificate translated and legalised
A sworn translation most often, sometimes an apostille: the consulate tells you what it requires.
- 04
Obtain the authorisation to transport the body
When leaving France, it is granted by the prefect of the department where the coffin is closed; the funeral director usually applies for it. For a return to France, the French embassy or consulate authorises the entry of the body.
- 05
Plan the preservation care
They are often required for international transport, by the arrival country or the airline. Arrange them early.
- 06
Order an airtight coffin
For air transport leaving France, an airtight coffin (metal casing) is mandatory. Keep its certificate of compliance: the airline and customs will ask for it.
- 07
Book the air transport
Not all airlines accept this transport, and not all serve every destination. Check before paying for anything.
- 08
Arrange the reception on arrival
Someone must receive the body, complete the customs formalities and arrange the transport to the place of burial. It is the step people forget.
- 09
Gather the funding
The costs are borne by the family. First check for repatriation insurance (travel policy, some bank cards), the funeral plan and the employer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does repatriating a body cost?
Usually several thousand euros, depending on distance, airline and formalities. The costs are borne by the family, unless insurance covers them.
Can the ashes be repatriated instead of the body?
Yes, and it is simpler. When leaving France, transporting ashes is authorised by the prefect of the place of cremation or of the applicant's home. First check that cremation respects the wishes and religion of the deceased.
Who should you contact first?
A funeral director authorised for international transport, then the consulate of the burial country. Both will tell you what the arrival country requires.
How long does it take?
Several days at least, sometimes more than two weeks: the authorisations and finding a flight take the longest. Starting the same day saves time.
The nine steps, followed with the family
In your Milele file, these steps are added automatically as soon as the country of death and the country of burial differ. Everyone sees what has been done and can take charge of a step.
Open a file for freeOfficial sources
- service-public.gouv.fr — Transport d'une personne décédée
- service-public.gouv.fr — Décès d'un proche à l'étranger
- diplomatie.gouv.fr — Décès à l'étranger
Updated on October 23, 2026. This guide summarises the usual steps; it does not replace advice from a notary, a lawyer or your country's authorities. How we write our guides