You have just lost a loved one and you wish to repatriate their body to Algeria? How can you do it? Below we provide you with all the information you need to repatriate the body.
Authorisation to transport bodies for burial in Algeria
The body transport permit is a document that allows Algerian nationals who died in France to be buried in their country of origin. Please note that a prior declaration confirming the identity and nationality of an Algerian subject is required to obtain this authorisation.
Who issues the authorisation to transport the body?
For a repatriation of the body to Algeria, 2 authorisations to transport the body of the deceased must be obtained. One, issued by the French administration, the other issued by the Algerian Embassy or the various consulates.
From which organisations should authorisations for the transfer of the body be requested?
Authorisations for the transfer of the body should be requested from the Prefecture of the department where the death took place and the closure of the coffin, as well as from the Algerian Embassy or the consulates.
What documents must be provided for an authorisation for the transfer of a body?
- For the French administration :
-application for authorisation to transfer a body to a foreign country ;
-death certificate + authorisation to close the coffin (provided by the town hall);
-death certificate + certificate of non-contagion (provided by the doctor);
-certificate of non-epidemic (provided by the Regional Health Agency);
-the deceased’s identity document.
- For the Algerian administration :
-the request for authorisation to transfer the body sent to the consulate or embassy;
-the original copy of the death certificate (provided by the French town hall);
-the burial permit (issued by the President of the People’s Communal Assembly of Algeria);
-the medical certificate of non-contagion (provided by the doctor in France);
-the authorisation to transport the deceased (issued by the French prefecture, see above);
-the deceased’s family record book;
-the identity documents of the deceased.
How much does it cost to repatriate a body to Algeria?
The price of a funeral repatriation to Algeria varies. It depends on :
- the place of death and the place of destination;
- the service required (type of plane, tickets for the family accompanying the deceased);
- the weight of the coffin.
The cost of repatriating a body from France to Algeria is between €15,000 and €20,000.
What conditions must be met for the transfer of a body by air?
The air transport of a body before being put into a beer is forbidden. The deceased must be placed in a coffin on the territory where the death takes place. The coffin must also be sealed and airtight. In addition, some airlines have strict regulations regarding the care of the body.
What type of coffin for funeral repatriation?
The hermetic coffin is an obligation for funeral transport in Algeria. It is a metal, zinc or aluminium coffin placed in a traditional casket. A purifying filter is placed on the metal lid in order to neutralise the gases linked to the decomposition of the remains. This filter must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards, otherwise the body cannot be transferred. In addition, a window, or small porthole, can be inserted into the casket to allow the deceased’s relatives to see the body before burial. Finally, a minimum thickness of 22 mm must be respected in order for the casket to be up to standard.
How to anticipate a funeral repatriation?
If the deceased has not taken out an insurance policy to cover the costs of the funeral, the costs incurred to repatriate the body, the funeral and the administrative procedures are often the responsibility of the family.
Repatriation/travel insurance
This type of insurance normally includes the cost of repatriating the body of the deceased beneficiary. The benefits vary according to the contract, so be sure to read them carefully before travelling to the other side of the world. Often you also benefit from repatriation insurance if you have an accident during your stay.
The death benefit insurance
This insurance makes it possible to anticipate the repatriation of a body when the subscriber knows that he or she will wish to be buried elsewhere than in the country where he or she lives or travels. Each year, the person pays a certain amount, depending on the benefit desired, into the death benefit insurance. This ensures that, in the event of death, the costs are not passed on to the deceased’s relatives in these difficult times. Indeed, the repatriation costs as well as the costs of organising the funeral can be significant financially speaking. Moreover, it is the insurance company that takes care of the administrative procedures in these cases.
Repatriation of a body to Algeria without insurance
As in the case of repatriation of the body to Morocco, if the deceased had no insurance for the repatriation of his remains, it is possible that the Algerian government will take charge of the return of the body to his country.
How long does it take to repatriate a body to Algeria?
Funeral repatriation to Algeria takes place as quickly as possible, within a minimum of 48 hours.
Do you need information or an estimate?
Contact our AEROAFFAIRES experts to answer your questions about medical or funeral repatriation, to charter a flight or a medical aircraft to Algeria. Contact us 7 days a week and 24 hours a day on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82.
