Repatriation of a body to Algeria: steps, prices, deadlines

You’ve just lost a loved one and need to organize the repatriation of their remains to Algeria. At such a painful time, the steps involved can seem daunting: what authorizations should be obtained, what documents should be provided, what is the cost of repatriation by air, and how can the deceased’s last wishes be respected?

Commercial airlines don’t always allow the transport of remains, and families often find themselves at a loss when faced with the administrative and logistical complexities involved. And yet, every step of the way must be meticulous, so that burial in Algeria can take place quickly and with dignity.

For more than 30 years, AEROAFFAIRES has been helping families organize funeral repatriations by air to Algeria, in liaison with consular authorities, prefectures and certified operators. This article guides you step by step, detailing administrative formalities, transport conditions, costs and average delays.

Obtaining authorization to transport a body for burial in Algeria :

Authorization to transport a body is a document allowing Algerian nationals who have 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 authorization. Since July 2024, decree no. 2024-790 of July 10, 2024, which came into force on July 11, has brought important clarifications to French funeral law.

Who issues the authorization to transport the body?

When a death occurs, and for the repatriation of a body to Algeria, two authorizations must be obtained for the transport of the deceased’s body:

• one, issued by the prefecture of the département in which the coffin was closed.
• the other, issued by theAlgerian embassy or consulate.

Useful news (2024)

• The decree rewrites the body transport authorization regime to bring it into line with the new provisions concerning burial/cremation deadlines. The system itself remains unchanged, but the wording has been clarified.
  
• Funerary plaques on coffins no longer require engraving. An alternative method is accepted, provided that the details (surname, first name, year of death, etc.) are durably engraved.
  
• With regard to coffin sealing, the decree allows the use of processes other than wax seals, as long as the inviolability and the mark of the administrative authority are ensured.

Which organizations should I contact for authorization to transfer a body by air?

Authorizations for the transfer of the body should be requested from the Préfecture of the département where the death occurred.

Authorization to close the coffin should be requested from theAlgerian embassy or consulate.

What documents do I need to provide for a body transfer authorization?

For the French authorities, the family of the deceased must provide :

• a request for authorization to transfer the body to a foreign country
• death certificate +authorization to close the coffin (these are provided by the town hall when the death is declared)
• death certificate +certificate of non-contagion (supplied by the doctor or health establishment);
• attestation of non-epidemic status (provided by the Agence Régionale de Santé) with the certificate of non-contagion
• the deceased’s identity document.

For the Algerian authorities, the following documents will be required:

• request for authorization to transfer the body, addressed to the consulate or embassy
• the original copy of the death certificate (provided by the French town hall)
• burial permit (issued by the President of the Algerian Communal People’s Assembly)
• medical certificate of non-contagion (provided by the doctor in France)
• authorization to transport the deceased (issued by the French prefecture, see above)
• the deceased’s family record book
• the deceased’s identity papers.

How much does it cost to repatriate a body to Algeria by plane?

The price of funeral repatriation to Algeria varies. It depends on :

• place of death and destination;
• the service required (type of plane, tickets for the family accompanying the deceased);
• the weight of the coffin

Rates for repatriation (transport costs) of a body from France to Algeria range from €15,000 to €20,000.

Coverage by the Algerian government (2023-2024)

Important new rule to be aware of:

Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified in April 2024 that repatriation costs for Algerians who die abroad are covered by the State, in accordance withArticle 72 of the 2023 Finance Law.

• This coverage applies regardless of status (resident, non-resident, illegal).
• It covers: air transport to Algeria, ground transport in the country of death, preliminary procedures (mortuary toilet, coffining) and administrative costs.

What are the conditions for transferring a body by air?

Transporting a body by air before committal is prohibited.

The deceased must be placed in a coffin on the territory where death occurred. The coffin must also be sealed and airtight.

Some airlines also apply strict regulations on body preservation.

What type of coffin for funeral repatriation?

A hermetically sealed coffin is mandatory for funeral transport in Algeria.

This is a metal, zinc or aluminum coffin, placed in a traditional casket. A purifying filter is placed on the metal lid to neutralize the gases produced by 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 in the coffin to allow the deceased’s next of kin to view the body before burial.

Finally, a minimum thickness of 22 mm must be respected for the coffin to comply with standards.

How do I plan for funeral repatriation by air to Algeria?

If the deceased has not taken out an insurance policy to cover the cost of the funeral, the expenses incurred will be borne by the next of kin.

On the other hand, ifthe deceased has organized and prepared his or her funeral (by taking out death insurance, choosing the type of burial – ashes or monument, choosing a funeral director or funeral home), then repatriation of the body to Algeria may be covered.

Repatriation of a body to Algeria with repatriation/travel insurance :

This type of insurance normally covers repatriation of the body of the deceased beneficiary.

Benefits vary from policy to policy. So be sure to read them carefully before setting off to the other side of the world.

Often, you’ll also benefit from repatriation insurance, should you have an accident during your stay.

Repatriation of a body to Algeria, with death insurance :

This insurance allows you to anticipate the repatriation of a body if you know that you wish to be buried elsewhere than in the country where you live or travel.

Each year, the policyholder pays a certain amount to the insurance company, depending on the benefit required.

In the event of death, provident death insurance ensures that the deceased’s next of kin do not have to bear the brunt of these difficult times.

Repatriation costs and funeral expenses can be very high. What’s more, in such cases, the insurance company takes care of all the administrative formalities.

Repatriation of a body to Algeria without insurance:

As in the case of repatriation of a body to Morocco, if the deceased has not taken out repatriation insurance for his remains, the Algerian government may take charge of returning the body to his country.

Since Article 72 of the 2023 Finance Law, clarified by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April 2024, the Algerian state has been covering the cost of repatriating the remains of all Algerian nationals who have died abroad, without means-testing.

How long does it take to repatriate a body to Algeria?

Funeral repatriation by plane to Algeria is carried out as quickly as possible, within a minimum of 48 hours. Several factors are taken into account, including where the body is located (overseas, mainland France, Africa, etc.)

Do you need information or a quote for repatriating a body to Algeria?

Contact our AEROAFFAIRES experts to answer your questions about medical or funeral repatriation, or to charter a flight or medical aircraft to Algeria. Contact us 24/7 on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82.