Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Mauritania and bringing ashes home

Cremation not available. Contrary to Islamic law. This page sets out what Mauritania requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Mauritania

Cremation in Mauritania

Can you cremate someone in Mauritania?

Cremation not available. Contrary to Islamic law.

Religious context: Almost entirely Sunni Muslim. Strong Islamic burial pressure: rapid interment expected.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Who must release the body

Police Nationale, Parquet (civil registrar), Ministry of Health

Documentation language

Arabic; French

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of Mauritania: Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca (CMN: primary UK route); Air Mauritanie domestic; Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Casablanca connection most reliable for UK cargo.

Departure airports: Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Mauritania

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Mauritania the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Police Nationale, Parquet (civil registrar), Ministry of Health has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in Arabic; French
Routing home. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca (CMN: primary UK route); Air Mauritanie domestic; Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Casablanca connection most reliable for UK cargo.
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Mauritania guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Mauritania

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Mauritania

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Mauritania.

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Mauritania

Talk to us about cremation in Mauritania

We deal with Police Nationale, Parquet (civil registrar), Ministry of Health and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.