Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Morocco and bringing ashes home

Burial only. Cremation effectively prohibited. This page sets out what Morocco requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Morocco

Cremation in Morocco

Can you cremate someone in Morocco?

Burial only. Cremation effectively prohibited.

Cremation is not practiced in Morocco. Islamic burial only. Repatriation of body is the only option.

Religious context: Sunni Islam (~99%)

Local funeral timing: Islamic tradition: burial within 24 hours. Creates urgency.

Islamic burial customs: washing (ghusl), shrouding (kafan), burial facing Mecca; Cremation not practiced; Simple white shroud, no coffin for local burial (coffin needed for transport); Mourning period (iddah) observed

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

Documentation language

Arabic (official), French (business), Berber languages

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Morocco

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether an investigation must conclude before release
Translation, since documentation is in Arabic (official), French (business), Berber languages
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 Morocco guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Morocco

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Morocco

Local emergency number Police: 15. Fire/Ambulance: 150. Gendarmerie: 177.. The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Morocco.

Official lists for Morocco

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

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

Talk to us about cremation in Morocco

We can advise on whether cremation abroad is the right choice for your family. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.