Repatriation from France to Palau

In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Palau 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. Source: FCDO Travel Advice France 2025.

The Paris-based British embassy or high commission can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

The funeral director in Palau takes custody at the cargo terminal at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), near Koror. There are no direct flights to the UK, Europe, or Australia; international connections run via Manila in the Philippines or Guam. Death registration is handled by Palau's civil registration authority, with the Palau Police Department investigating non-natural deaths. Palau has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 17 October 2019 (in force 23 June 2020), which simplifies authentication for documents arriving from other member states. Embalming capacity exists in Koror but is limited in volume. Cremation is not available; full body repatriation is required. 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, it is recent: Palau acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on 17 October 2019, with the Convention entering into force there on 23 June 2020. That means documents apostilled in France are now recognised in Palau without the older, slower legalisation chain through embassies and foreign ministries. The remaining constraint is routing: there is no direct connection to the UK or Europe, so cargo travels via Manila or Guam regardless of how fast the paperwork moves.