Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Vietnam
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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 Vietnam: what to expect
French nationals in Vietnam include business professionals, students, tourists, and a community with historical and cultural ties reflecting the former French colonial presence. France and Vietnam maintain active bilateral diplomatic and cultural relations through the Francophonie. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation by the Vietnamese Embassy in Paris. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation is required. (Vietnamese 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.
- Vietnam Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Vietnam
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
Vietnam 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 Vietnam
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Vietnam funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Vietnam
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Vietnam 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 Vietnam Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Vietnam 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 Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required. All foreign documents require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation through the Vietnamese Embassy in the origin country. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular legalisation is required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the People's Committee civil status office.
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.
In Vietnam
When the body arrives in Vietnam
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required for all incoming remains. All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified Vietnamese translation and legalised through the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation is required for all documents. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. (Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Vietnam. Legalisation of origin country documents must go through the Vietnamese Embassy. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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