Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to France
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Repatriation from the United States to France: what to expect
France and the United States share a historic alliance dating to the American Revolution, and an enduring bilateral relationship in trade, culture, and security. An American community of over 100,000 nationals is established in France, concentrated in Paris, the south of France, and the Bordeaux region. The US Embassy in Paris is among the largest American embassies in Europe. When a person with French family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The French Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the receiving mairie. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- France Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director takes custody at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Nice Airport (NCE), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. Death registration in France is handled by the mairie (town hall) in the municipality where the death is registered. The acte de deces is issued in French. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in French, accompanied by a certified French translation for the mairie. The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport; French regulations on embalming must be observed.
Consular support
The French Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to France. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the mairie in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
France Embassy in Washington DC 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to France
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to France 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 state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 France Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The French funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The local mairie registers the death and issues the acte de deces. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified French translation where not already in French. The Procureur de la Republique handles violent or unexplained deaths. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required; French embalming regulations apply. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local mairie.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 France.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions