Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The process
What happens after a death in France
Contact emergency services (15 SAMU, 17 police, 18 fire, or 112). A doctor certifies the death and issues a certificat de deces. The death must be registered at the local mairie within 24 hours. Ferry transport from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Calais to Irish ports is a genuine alternative to air cargo, particularly for deaths in Brittany, Normandy, or western France.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Ireland: what to expect
France is one of the most straightforward repatriation corridors for Irish families. Road transport via ferry from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Calais is a genuine alternative to air cargo. Most cases take 7-14 days.
- Key document: Acte de deces (from the local mairie)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Death must be registered at the local mairie within 24 hours.
- Road transport via ferry from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Calais to Ireland is a viable and often cheaper option.
- IML post-mortem ordered by procureur for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths. Adds weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Paris: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local mairie within 24 hours. Acte de deces issued.
Hospital or doctor initiates. Acte de deces issued by the mairie.
Local funeral director and mairie
Irish Embassy Paris notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming (thanatopraxie) and preparation
French funeral industry is professional. Regulated embalming profession.
Licensed local funeral director
Laissez-passer mortuaire and export documentation obtained
Allow 3-7 days total. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Transport to Ireland: air cargo or road via ferry from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Calais
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Ireland takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem at the Institut Medico-Legal can take 3-8 weeks.
Yes. Road transport via ferry from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Calais is a genuine and often cheaper alternative to air cargo, particularly for deaths in Brittany, Normandy, western France, or Paris. Your repatriation specialist will advise which route is most practical.
The core documents are: acte de deces (death certificate from mairie), embalming certificate (certificat de soins de conservation), autorisation de transport de corps, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Irish Embassy in Paris can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal or ferry port. All French documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in France and bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler and less costly. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight or transported by ferry.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal or ferry port. All French documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Paris can register the death and advise.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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