Repatriation from France to Equatorial Guinea

In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Equatorial Guinea takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.

The core documents are: acte de deces (death certificate from the local mairie), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. The acte de deces is issued in French. Certified translation into the destination country's language is required for all non-French-speaking destinations.

The funeral director in Equatorial Guinea takes custody at the cargo terminal at Malabo Airport (SSG) on Bioko Island. Death is registered at the Registro Civil, and the Ministerio del Interior y Corporaciones Locales issues the export permit. Equatorial Guinea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents require legalisation. Documentation is issued in Spanish. Deaths on the Rio Muni mainland require internal transfer to Malabo before international repatriation can proceed. All documentation from France must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in France is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.

Yes, considerably. All international repatriation flights leave from Malabo Airport on Bioko Island. A death on the Rio Muni mainland, the enclave between Cameroon and Gabon, needs an internal transfer to Malabo first, over limited road infrastructure in some districts, before the international leg of the journey can even begin.