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Funeral Service in Hérault: Repatriation of a Deceased from France

When a loved one passes away in France and the family wishes to repatriate the body to another country. This process can be complex and emotionally taxing. We advise you to contact a funeral director with the medical certificate of death as quickly as possible. In France you are required to use a certified funeral operator as PECH BLEU. To help you, in the first moments after a desease, this guide is designed to help you navigate the necessary steps for repatriating a body from France. These tips will help you in the first moments to ensure a smooth and respectful transfer. Understanding the required procedures, documents, and legalities is crucial to avoiding delays and complications during this delicate time.

Understanding the Process of Repatriating a Body from France

Repatriation of a deceased individual from France involves a series of specific procedures that must be meticulously followed to ensure a successful transfer. Whether you are managing the process yourself or working with a funeral service expert, it is essential to be aware of the necessary steps to avoid potential issues at customs or other regulatory hurdles. Here is an overview of the key stages involved in repatriating a body from France.

Funeral Service in Hérault: Steps to Repatriate a Deceased from France

Repatriate a Deceased from France: Estimated Timeframe: Approximately 8 Days

1. Obtaining Medical Certification of Death

The initial step in repatriation is to obtain an official certification of death from a qualified medical professional. This process is uniform across France, regardless of the location where the death occurred. Contact a funeral operator in Hérault.

  • In a Medical Facility: If the death occurs in a hospital or any other healthcare institution, the facility’s administrative staff will typically handle the certification process. The attending physician will issue the official death certificate, confirming the time and cause of death.
  • At Home: If the death occurs at home, it is the responsibility of the family to contact a doctor to certify the death. This can be the family’s general practitioner, an SOS doctor, or an emergency medical service. In addition to the death certificate, the doctor must also issue a certificate of non-contagiousness, which is a crucial document for repatriation purposes. Ensure that both certificates are obtained promptly.

2. Consulting with a Funeral Service Specializing in Repatriation

Handling the logistics of repatriating a body can be overwhelming, especially when navigating the regulations of different countries. It is advisable to engage the services of a funeral director who specializes in international repatriation. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with repatriation to any destination country, offering expert guidance throughout the process.

  • Expert Assistance: Our experienced professionals are well-versed in the specific requirements for repatriation to various countries. By working with PECH BLEU, you can be assured of a streamlined process, where all legal and procedural obligations are met efficiently.
3. Gathering Required Documentation for Repatriation

Repatriating a body from France involves securing several key documents from various administrative bodies. The required paperwork may vary depending on the destination country, but generally includes the following:

  • Death Certificate: An official document issued by the doctor who confirmed the death.
  • Certificate of Non-Contagiousness: A mandatory document confirming that the deceased did not suffer from a contagious disease at the time of death.
  • Identity Documents: The identification of the person responsible for organizing the funeral, typically a close family member.
  • Passport of the Deceased: The deceased’s passport from the destination country is often required.
  • Contact Information: Details of the individual or company responsible for funeral arrangements in the destination country.

It is essential to collect these documents promptly to avoid delays in the repatriation process. Our team will assist in coordinating with the relevant authorities to obtain these documents as quickly as possible.

4. Securing Necessary Authorizations

Before repatriation can proceed, specific authorizations must be obtained from various governmental bodies, including the consulate of the destination country. Our team will manage the entire process of securing these permits and keep you informed of any updates.

  • Consular Authorization: The consulate of the destination country must authorize the repatriation. This often involves the submission of the death certificate, certificate of non-contagiousness, and other relevant documents.
  • French Authorities: In some cases, additional authorization may be required from local French authorities, particularly if the death occurred under unusual circumstances.

We handle all communication with these bodies, ensuring that all necessary permits are in place before the body is transported.

5. Booking and Confirming the Flight

Once all necessary authorizations have been obtained, the next step is to arrange for transportation of the body by air. This involves coordinating with the airline to secure a flight that meets the specific requirements for transporting human remains.

  • Flight Arrangement: We will manage the booking process with the airline and provide you with all relevant details as soon as they become available. This includes the flight number, departure, and arrival times.
  • Final Confirmation: Airline policies often require a final confirmation, which typically takes a few days to secure. We will keep you informed as soon as the confirmation is received, allowing you to finalize any travel arrangements for accompanying family members.

6. Coordinating Funeral Services in the Destination Country

Upon arrival in the destination country, the body will need to be received by a local funeral service provider who will manage the final arrangements. It is important to have these services organized in advance to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Local Coordination: If needed, we can facilitate communication with funeral directors in the destination country to ensure that all necessary documents and information are provided for the final funeral arrangements.
  • Personalized Services: You have the flexibility to plan the funeral in the destination country according to your cultural and personal preferences. Whether it involves a religious ceremony, cremation, or burial, we are here to assist with any specific needs.

Funeral Service in Hérault: the cost. Affordable Funeral Repatriation Services

We understand that the cost of repatriation can be a significant concern. Our goal is to provide a high level of service at a fair price, ensuring that your loved one is repatriated with dignity and respect.

Our transparent pricing model ensures that there are no hidden fees or unexpected costs. We provide detailed quotes upfront, allowing you to make informed decisions about the services you require.

Funeral Service in Hérault: Frequently Asked Questions About Repatriation from France

In order to address any additional concerns you may have, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the repatriation of a body from France. This resource covers topics such as documentation, timelines, and specific country requirements.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with the repatriation process, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance during this difficult time.


This guide is designed to be an essential resource for anyone facing the challenging task of repatriating a loved one from France. By following the outlined steps and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure that the process is handled with the utmost care and respect.

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