Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Ukraine
For families bringing someone home to Ukraine. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Ukraine: what to expect
French nationals in Ukraine include individuals with family ties and aid workers. Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022. Repatriation requires routing through Poland, Romania, or Slovakia. The French Embassy in Kyiv can provide consular assistance where access is possible. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Ukrainian translation and authentication by the Ukrainian Embassy in Paris. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003. (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.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Ukraine 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 Ukraine
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Ukraine 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 Ukraine
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Ukraine funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ukraine
When the body arrives in Ukraine
Death registration in Ukraine is handled by the State Registry of Acts of Civil Status (DRACS) under the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Death certificates are issued in Ukrainian. Ukraine has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 2003; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022 due to the ongoing armed conflict. Repatriation into Ukraine requires routing through neighbouring countries, primarily Poland via Warsaw (WAW) or Romania. All foreign documents require certified Ukrainian translation. A specialist with current operational contacts is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all imports.
Consular support
Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on current documentation requirements for repatriation to Ukraine. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Access constraints due to the ongoing armed conflict may significantly affect timelines.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Ukraine
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Ukraine takes 4-12 weeks depending on access. The fastest cases complete in 4 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 Ukraine Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ukraine 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.
Death registration in Ukraine is handled by the State Registry of Acts of Civil Status (DRACS); certificates are issued in Ukrainian. Ukraine has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2003; apostille certificates are accepted. Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022; access must be arranged via Poland or Romania. All foreign documents require certified Ukrainian translation. Access constraints due to the ongoing armed conflict mean timelines are unpredictable. A specialist with current operational contacts is required. 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. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in France, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Ukraine.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in France (gov.uk) · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions