Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Morocco
For families bringing someone home to Morocco. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Morocco: what to expect
Morocco and the United States maintain close bilateral ties, including a long-standing friendship treaty and active trade, military, and cultural partnerships. American nationals travel to Morocco for tourism, academic programmes, and business. The Moroccan Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When an American national dies in Morocco and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the United States, the death is registered with the local etat civil (civil registry). Morocco joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; the United States joined in 1981. Both countries are now Hague members, simplifying document authentication. (Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; US Department of State, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Morocco Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The relevant Embassy or Consulate of the destination country can assist with documentation requirements.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Morocco
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Morocco Embassy in Washington DC notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Morocco
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Morocco funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Morocco
When the body arrives in Morocco
The Moroccan funeral director takes custody at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, or Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for arrivals in the south. Civil registration is handled by the local etat civil (civil registry). For Muslim remains, documentation from the Adoul (notarial authority) confirming Islamic identity may be required before burial; Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation; French-language documents are also accepted in Morocco. Morocco joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. Authentication by the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required for documents not covered by the apostille process. A hermetically sealed coffin is required. (Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Morocco. Morocco joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Morocco
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Morocco takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Morocco Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Morocco Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Moroccan funeral director takes custody at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or Marrakech Menara (RAK) cargo terminal. The local etat civil (civil registry) registers the death. For Muslim remains, Adoul documentation and Islamic law procedures apply; prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Morocco joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. A hermetically sealed coffin is required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the etat civil and relevant religious authorities.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 Morocco.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions