Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to Australia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
How repatriation from Morocco works
Contact police (190) or ambulance (150). Hospital or doctor certifies the death. Contact the The Acte de Deces is issued by the local civil registry (Bureau d'Etat Civil) in Arabic and French. A certified English translation is required for UK purposes.
Key facts
Repatriation from Morocco to Australia: what to expect
Moroccan nationals in Australia include students, professionals, and a small established diaspora community in Sydney and Melbourne. Australia and Morocco have bilateral trade ties and diplomatic relations. Arabic and French documentation from Morocco requires certified English translation for Australian state or territory civil registration purposes. The Australian Embassy in Rabat handles consular matters.
- Key documents: Acte de Deces (in Arabic and French) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Rabat registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Australia Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +61 2 6261 3305.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at Bureau d'Etat Civil. Acte de Deces issued.
Funeral director handles registration. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Australia Embassy in Rabat notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming
Quality variable outside Casablanca and Rabat.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until Acte de Deces issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Casablanca (CMN) or Marrakech (RAK)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance is required. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care regulations apply. State or territory funeral regulations govern burial or cremation: requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. All documentation must be authenticated. (Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
Australian Embassy or High Commission in Rabat can assist Australian citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Australian Government Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to Australia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to Australia takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks.
The core documents are: Acte de Deces (in Arabic and French), certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Consular certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Australia Embassy in Rabat can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia Embassy in Rabat as soon as possible after the death.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the +61 2 6261 3305 (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a UK specialist.
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. State or territory regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the relevant state authority.
Yes, if the deceased was non-Muslim. Cremation in Morocco is available for non-Muslims. You will need the Acte de Deces, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Morocco, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Morocco repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions