Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Syria
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 Syria: what to expect
French nationals in Syria include individuals with family ties and journalists. The French Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in 2012. Consular assistance for French nationals in Syria is provided through the French Embassy in Beirut or the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs crisis line on +33 1 43 17 67 67. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Arabic translation. Syria is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. Consular arrangements are subject to change following the December 2024 political transition. (French 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.
- Syria Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Syria
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
Syria 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 Syria
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Syria funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Syria
When the body arrives in Syria
Death registration in Syria is handled by the Civil Status Directorate (Mudiriyyat al-Ahwal al-Madaniyyah) at local government level. Death certificates are issued in Arabic. Syria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the relevant Syrian consular representation is required for all foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Damascus International Airport (DAM) has had limited operations during the conflict period; access and routing should be confirmed with a specialist before proceeding. Repatriation to Syria requires a specialist with current operational contacts and up-to-date knowledge of the transitional authorities as of 2025. For Muslim remains, which account for the large majority of Syria's population, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (FCDO Travel Advice: Syria, 2025.)
Consular support
The Syrian consular representation in Paris can advise on current documentation requirements for repatriation to Syria. Syria is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. Consular arrangements are subject to change given ongoing political transition. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Syria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Syria takes 8-16 weeks or longer. The fastest cases complete in 8 weeks. Complex cases can take 6 months or longer 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 Syria Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Syria 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 Civil Status Directorate (Mudiriyyat al-Ahwal al-Madaniyyah) handles death registration in Syria; certificates are issued in Arabic. Syria is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required along with certified Arabic translation. Damascus International Airport (DAM) has had limited operations since the conflict; routing must be confirmed with a specialist. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Repatriation to Syria requires a specialist with current operational contacts. 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