Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Burkina Faso to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Burkina Faso to France: what to expect
Burkinabe nationals form part of France's West African diaspora, with communities in Paris and Lyon. This corridor handles cases where a France-based Burkinabe has a family member die in Burkina Faso and needs remains brought to France. The situation in Burkina Faso since 2022 may affect logistics on this corridor.
- Key document: Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-21 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for France acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Burkina Faso
Repatriation from Burkina Faso begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 17, then registering the death with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 14-21 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Police and Prosecutor, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to France as air cargo. A funeral director in France then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-5 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Burkina Faso 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. Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Centre d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
France Embassy in Ouagadougou 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 14-21 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 Ouagadougou 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Burkina Faso to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Burkina Faso to France takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
The core documents are: Acte de deces (certified English translation required), Police clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The France Embassy in Ouagadougou can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Ouagadougou 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 widely available in Burkina Faso. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Burkina Faso, 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 guidance on a death in Burkina Faso (gov.uk) · Burkina Faso repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions