Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Kenya
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Quick answer
Repatriation from France to Kenya: what to expect
French nationals in Kenya include development workers, researchers, business professionals, and tourists visiting national parks and coastal resorts. France maintains bilateral development cooperation with Kenya. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified English translation and authentication by the Kenyan Embassy in Paris. Kenya joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021; apostille certificates are accepted for French documents. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora 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.
- Kenya 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 Kenya
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
Kenya 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 Kenya
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Kenya funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Kenya
When the body arrives in Kenya
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) under the Registrar General handles death registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other foreign documents require full consular authentication through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. English is Kenya's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Kenya. Kenya joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Kenya
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Kenya 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 Kenya Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Kenya 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 Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) registers the death. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. All other documents require full consular authentication through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the origin country. 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