Question 1

How long does repatriation from Paris take?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation from Paris, France typically takes 7-14 days in a straightforward case. The process follows standard France procedure: local funeral director handles embalming and documentation, cargo departs from CDG airport. Complex cases involving post-mortem can take 3-8 weeks (if post-mortem or investigation involved).

Question 2

Who do I contact first when someone dies in Paris?

Accepted Answer

When someone dies in Paris, contact a specialist repatriation company and the embassy or consulate of the person's own country as soon as possible. The specialist will coordinate with a licensed local funeral director in Paris and notify the relevant local authorities. Avoid instructing a local funeral director directly before engaging a specialist, as this can complicate documentation.

Question 3

Which airport does repatriation cargo fly from in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation cargo from Paris typically departs from Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Cargo is transported as human remains on full-service commercial airlines. Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet do not carry human remains.

Question 4

What documents are needed for repatriation from Paris?

Accepted Answer

The required documents for repatriation from Paris include: local death certificate, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and airline cargo documentation. The local funeral director in Paris will obtain most of these on the family's behalf. Documentation typically takes 3-7 days total.

Local funeral director	Set by the firm handling the case in Paris
Air freight from CDG	Turns on routing and how often flights go
Investigation	A post-mortem or inquest adds mortuary time
Reception at home	Depends on the receiving funeral home

Repatriation from Paris, France

Deaths in Paris: local context

Common circumstances

Airport cargo

Flights and routing

Local considerations in Paris

Hospitals and forensic services in Paris

Hospitals

Forensic mortuary

Repatriation from Paris: how it works

Embassy contact

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