Ashes repatriation to France
How do I take ashes to France?
We provide a fully accompanied ashes repatriation service from the UK to France, ensuring your loved one’s cremated remains are transported safely, directly, and with the utmost dignity. Our family team personally carries the ashes every step of the journey, from collection in the UK to secure delivery overseas.
Key information for repatriating ashes to France
Repatriating ashes to France involves specific documentation and legal requirements that are different from other countries. In France, there are also strict rules about what can be done with ashes once they arrive. Below is the key information you need to know:
Documentation required
When transporting cremated remains to France, the following documents are typically required:
Death certificate: An official certified copy of the death certificate to confirm the identity and date of death.
Cremation certificate: A document from the UK crematorium confirming that the deceased has been cremated and describing the contents of the container.
Funeral Director statement: A signed statement from the funeral director confirming that the urn contains only the cremated remains and is sealed properly.
Translations: Documents not in French may need certified translations to accompany the originals for customs and airline authorities.
Our team ensures all documentation is correctly prepared, verified, and translated where necessary, and we can assist with any part of this process so there are no delays or compliance issues.
Customs & import requirements
Airline & airport screening: Airlines and airport security in the UK will usually require that the urn be sealed, in a scanable container, and accompanied by the documents above. If the urn cannot be x-rayed (e.g. metal urn), they may ask for additional proof
When bringing ashes into France:
Sealed and documented: The urn must be appropriately sealed and accompanied by the necessary certificates (death certificate, cremation certificate, sealing declaration, and official transport authorisation).
Declaration at customs: There is no standard French customs permit required for importing human ashes when they accompany you. You should, however, be prepared to present the death certificate and cremation certificate if asked.
We handle all customs liaison on your behalf, ensuring the ashes are presented correctly and respectfully both at departure and arrival.
Travel & transport
Hand carried on board: Your loved one’s ashes are always hand carried on board the aircraft with us; we never place them in cargo or freight.
Airline approval: We work directly with the airline to secure approval for hand carried ashes and ensure seating arrangements that avoid placement in overhead lockers.
Private collection & delivery: We personally collect the ashes from the funeral director, crematorium, or family home in the UK and accompany them to the airport before our journey onwards to France.
Why choose our service
Families trust us for overseas ashes repatriation to France because:
We provide a fully accompanied service from start to finish.
We handle all documentation, customs clearance, consular requirements and airline compliance.
You receive live journey updates throughout the entire process.
Insurance is in place for both UK and overseas travel.
The same family team member you speak with will personally accompany the ashes.
We can assist with any required French consular or prefecture documentation, including transport authorisation certificates.
Talk to us
If you need help to return a loved one’s ashes to the France, we are here. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, from documentation and customs procedures to airline compliance and secure delivery, ensuring a smooth, dignified, and stress free repatriation.
Call us on 07949 216886 or Email info@ashesescorted.co.uk