Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Afghanistan to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Afghanistan to France: what to expect
Afghan nationals in France include refugees, asylum seekers granted protection, and a well-established diaspora community in Paris and Lyon. France accepted significant numbers of Afghan nationals, including those evacuated following the 2021 Taliban takeover. The French Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in August 2021; families in Afghanistan requiring French consular support should contact the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs emergency service in Paris at +33 1 43 17 67 67. Dari and Pashto documentation requires certified French translation for French civil registry purposes.
- Key document: Death certificate (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The France Embassy in Paris can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Afghanistan
After a death in Afghanistan, the family should contact the local emergency services on 119 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Local civil registration authority, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Local authorities takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to France as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 4-8 weeks from the death to arrival in France.
Step by step
Timeline: Afghanistan to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of France: +33 1 43 17 67 67).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Local civil registration authority. Local authorities may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
France Embassy in Paris notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to France
Once all documentation complete. France cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Paris can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Afghanistan to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Afghanistan to France takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 3-6 months or longer.
The core documents are: Death certificate (certified English translation required), Local authority clearance, Exit permit, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The France Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Paris as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available in Afghanistan. Full body repatriation is the only option. Significant practical difficulties apply given the current situation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Afghanistan, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to France.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official government guidance (gov.uk) · Afghanistan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions