Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to France
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246The process
The repatriation process from Vietnam
Call 113 for police or 115 for ambulance. A licensed physician must certify the death. Unexpected deaths and road accidents trigger police notification. Death registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). The giay chung tu is issued in Vietnamese only.
Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to France: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals form one of France's largest Asian diaspora communities, reflecting historical colonial connections. The community is concentrated in Paris, particularly in the 13th arrondissement. Vietnamese documentation requires certified French translation.
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City registers the death.
- France Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +33 1 43 17 67 67.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local civil registry. Giay chung tu issued.
Certificate in Vietnamese only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
France Embassy in Hanoi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Choose correct consulate based on location of death.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Available in Hanoi and HCMC.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation completed
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to London Heathrow
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
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 Vietnam to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to France takes 10-14 days. Most cases take 14-21 days. Road accident deaths, where police must complete their investigation, can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Giay chung tu (Vietnamese death certificate) with certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The British Embassy in Hanoi covers northern Vietnam. The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City covers southern Vietnam. Both offices handle repatriation cases.
The France Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the giay chung tu, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Hanoi can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French 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 Vietnam, 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 · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions