Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Iraq
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Quick answer
Repatriation from France to Iraq: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in France include a diaspora community with bilateral ties. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Arabic translation and authentication by the Iraqi Embassy in Paris. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region; families should engage a specialist with current operational knowledge. (FCDO Travel Advice: Iraq, 2025; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: acte de deces (death certificate) (in French)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Paris registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Iraq Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in France
Call 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, or 112 for the EU emergency number. Death is certified by a physician. The acte de deces is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Iraq
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Iraq 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Iraq
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iraq funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Iraq
When the body arrives in Iraq
The Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For destinations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the relevant gateway. Death registration is handled by the Civil Status Directorate under the Iraqi Ministry of Interior; all certificates are issued in Arabic. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where it advises against all but essential travel. Families repatriating remains to Iraq should work with a specialist who maintains current contacts on the ground. Iraq is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Iraq, 2025; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iraq. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Iraq
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Iraq takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: acte de deces (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Iraq Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iraq Embassy in Paris as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For the Kurdistan Region, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the main gateway. The Civil Status Directorate registers the death; all certificates are in Arabic. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Families should work with a specialist given current conditions.
Cremation in France is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
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If your loved one has passed away in France, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions