Repatriation from the Netherlands to the Marshall Islands

In a straightforward case, repatriation from the Netherlands to the Marshall Islands takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.

The core documents are: akte van overlijden (death certificate from the local gemeente), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. The akte van overlijden is issued in Dutch. Certified translation is required for non-Dutch-speaking destinations.

The funeral director in the Marshall Islands takes custody at the cargo terminal at Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ), Majuro. The Republic of the Marshall Islands comprises 29 atolls and 5 islands spread across roughly 1.9 million square kilometres of ocean; a death on an outer atoll requires boat or light aircraft transfer to Majuro before documentation can properly begin. Death registration goes through the national civil registration office, with the RMI Police Department investigating non-natural deaths. The Marshall Islands has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991 (accession, in force 14 August 1992). Documentation is issued in English. Kwajalein Atoll, home to a US Army missile defence installation, follows separate US military coordination protocols. Cremation is not available; full body repatriation is required. All documentation from the Netherlands must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in the Netherlands is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.

Considerably. The Republic of the Marshall Islands spans 29 atolls and 5 islands across roughly 1.9 million square kilometres of ocean, and only Majuro has international air access. A death on an outer atoll needs boat or light aircraft transfer to Majuro first, which can take anywhere from hours to several days depending on weather and available transport. Kwajalein Atoll is a separate case again: it hosts a US Army missile defence installation, and any death there is coordinated through US military channels rather than the standard RMI civil process.