Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to Switzerland
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Morocco to Switzerland: what to expect
Moroccan nationals form one of Switzerland's largest non-EU communities, with around 80,000 residents concentrated in the German and French-speaking cantons. This corridor handles cases where a Switzerland-based Moroccan has a family member die in Morocco and needs remains brought to Switzerland. Arabic documentation requires certified German or French translation for Swiss authorities.
- 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.
- Switzerland Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation. They cannot fund 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 UK purposes.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +41 800 24-7-365.
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
Switzerland 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
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline for Swiss residents abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Rabat can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Rabat as soon as possible after the death.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the +41 800 24-7-365 (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a UK specialist.
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains on arrival. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the cantonal 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.
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