Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Israel
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Israel: what to expect
France is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, and there has been substantial aliyah (emigration to Israel) from France over recent decades. Significant family ties exist between French nationals and Israel. The Israeli Embassy in Paris is fully operational. When a person with Israeli family connections dies in France, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The acte de deces is issued in French and requires a certified Hebrew translation for submission to the Population Registry Authority (Misrad HaPnim). Both France and Israel are Hague Apostille Convention members; Israel joined in 1978. (FCDO Travel Advice: Israel, 2025; Population Registry Authority, Ministry of Interior, Israel, 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.
- Israel Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Israel
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
Israel 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 Israel
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Israel funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Israel
When the body arrives in Israel
The Israeli funeral director takes custody at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv cargo terminal. Death registration in Israel is handled by the Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim). The Israeli death certificate is issued in Hebrew. All foreign-language death certificates require certified Hebrew translation before submission to the Population Registry. Families should be aware that religious considerations may affect burial timing; the Rabbinic Burial Society (Chevra Kadisha) handles Jewish burials according to traditional practice, while non-Jewish deceased are handled by other licensed burial societies. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Population Registry Authority, Ministry of Interior, Israel, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Israel, 2025.)
Consular support
The Israeli Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Israel. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Israel
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Israel takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-10 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 Israel Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Israel 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 Israeli funeral director takes custody at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv cargo terminal. The Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) registers the death. All foreign-language documents require certified Hebrew translation. Families should note that religious customs may affect burial timing and arrangements. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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.
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