Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Wallis and Futuna and bringing ashes home

No cremation facility in Wallis and Futuna. This page sets out what Wallis and Futuna requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Wallis and Futuna

Cremation in Wallis and Futuna

Can you cremate someone in Wallis and Futuna?

No cremation facility in Wallis and Futuna.

Religious context: Almost entirely Roman Catholic. Traditional Polynesian customs (Tikanga) may influence family preferences.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Who must release the body

Administrator-Superior (Administrateur superieur); French civil law; Service de l'Etat Civil; Gendarmerie nationale

Documentation language

French; Wallisian; Futunan

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of Wallis and Futuna: Air Caledonie International (Aircalin) flights WLS/FUT to Noumea (NOU) New Caledonia, then Air France/Aircalin NOU to Paris CDG. Very limited frequency, Aircalin schedule controls timing. Deaths on Futuna require inter-island flight to Wallis first.

Departure airports: Hihifo Airport, Wallis (WLS); Futuna Airport (FUT)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Wallis and Futuna

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Wallis and Futuna the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Administrator-Superior (Administrateur superieur); French civil law; Service de l'Etat Civil; Gendarmerie nationale has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in French; Wallisian; Futunan
Routing home. Air Caledonie International (Aircalin) flights WLS/FUT to Noumea (NOU) New Caledonia, then Air France/Aircalin NOU to Paris CDG. Very limited frequency, Aircalin schedule controls timing. Deaths on Futuna require inter-island flight to Wallis first.
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Wallis and Futuna guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Wallis and Futuna

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Wallis and Futuna

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Wallis and Futuna.

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Wallis and Futuna

Talk to us about cremation in Wallis and Futuna

We deal with Administrator-Superior (Administrateur superieur); French civil law; Service de l'Etat Civil; Gendarmerie nationale and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.