Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to United Kingdom
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Morocco to the UK: what to expect
Repatriation from Morocco is one of the faster non-European corridors. Documentation is in Arabic and French. The British Embassy is in Rabat. Typical timeline: 7-14 days.
- 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.
The process
How repatriation from Morocco works
Contact police (190) or ambulance (150). Hospital or doctor certifies the death. Contact the British Embassy in Rabat. 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 United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
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
British Embassy 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
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Moroccan documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The FCDO can provide information and a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to the UK 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 British Embassy in Rabat can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the FCDO emergency line (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a UK specialist.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Moroccan documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
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
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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