Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Morocco to Italy: what to expect
Moroccan nationals are Italy's largest non-EU immigrant community, with over 400,000 registered residents concentrated in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. This is one of Italy's most established repatriation corridors, with regular direct air services between Casablanca and Italian cities.
- Key documents: Acte de Deces (in Arabic and French) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Italy Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 use in Italy.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
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
Italy 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
Italy funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to Italy 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 Italy Embassy in Rabat can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Rabat as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Morocco, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Italy.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Morocco (gov.uk) · Morocco repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions