Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Wallis and Futuna
This guide explains what happens after a death in Wallis and Futuna, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French collectivity in the South Pacific, one of the most remote inhabited territories on earth. French civil law applies and all documentation is in French. There is no direct link to mainland France: routing goes via Nouméa, New Caledonia, adding a significant transit leg. Deaths on Futuna require inter-island transfer to Wallis before international repatriation can begin.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Paris (+33 1 44 51 31 00) handles Wallis and Futuna on a non-resident basis.
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 before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, Paris.
Step 2: Futuna Island Transfer
Deaths on Futuna or Alofi require inter-island flight to Wallis before international repatriation can proceed. Aircalin or charter aircraft handles this transfer.
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 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 notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
No cremation is available in Wallis and Futuna.
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) from Hihifo Airport, Wallis (WLS) to Nouméa, New Caledonia (NOU). Then Air France or Aircalin NOU to Paris CDG, approximately 22 hours. UK connections from CDG.
Aircalin operates very few weekly flights: the schedule is the primary timing constraint. Contact a specialist firm immediately to begin flight coordination.
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: Service de l’État Civil, Wallis and Futuna; Aircalin; 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 embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in Wallis and Futuna 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. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from Wallis and Futuna requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Wallis and Futuna alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | Wallis and Futuna paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for Wallis and Futuna
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from Wallis and Futuna to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in Wallis and Futuna
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing your loved one home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Wallis and Futuna · Frequently asked questions