Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Mauritania
This guide explains what happens after a death in Mauritania, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Typical cost
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
Mauritania is a vast Saharan republic on the Atlantic coast. The capital Nouakchott sits by the ocean; the rest of the country stretches east into the Sahara. There is no resident British Embassy — consular coverage comes from the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco. Documentation is in Arabic and French.
The country is almost entirely Sunni Muslim. Islamic burial pressure is strong — the first 24 hours are critical if repatriation is the goal.
First step
Call the FCDO Emergency Travel Line: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). British Embassy Rabat, Morocco: +212 537 633 333.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Saharan interior and all but essential travel to areas near the Mali border.
British Embassy Rabat: non-resident coverage
No British Embassy in Mauritania. All consular services come from the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco. The Embassy registers the death for UK purposes and provides guidance on Mauritanian administrative channels.
Islamic burial: act immediately
Mauritania is almost entirely Sunni Muslim. Local custom favours burial within 24 hours. Any family intending repatriation must communicate that intent clearly and promptly — through the Embassy and through local contacts on the ground. Delay in asserting this is the single biggest risk in Mauritanian cases.
Civil registration
Mauritania uses French civil law for formal administrative purposes, supplemented by Islamic personal status law. The état civil issues the death certificate (acte de décès) primarily in Arabic, with French also used in formal contexts.
The attending physician certifies cause of death. For non-natural deaths, the Police Nationale must attend and issue clearance, and the Parquet (public prosecutor) issues judicial clearance.
Ministry of Health export permit
Once civil registration and police clearance are in hand, the Ministry of Health issues the export permit. A licensed funeral director embalms and prepares the body. All Arabic and French documents require certified English translation.
Document checklist
| Document | Language | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (acte de décès) | Arabic/French | État civil |
| Medical certificate | French | Attending physician |
| Police Nationale clearance | Arabic/French | Police Nationale |
| Parquet judicial clearance | French | Public prosecutor |
| Ministry of Health export permit | French | Ministry of Health |
| Certified translations | English | Certified translator |
Routing
Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC):
- Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca (CMN) — primary UK cargo route
- Turkish Airlines to Istanbul (IST)
Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca is the most reliable pathway for UK-bound cargo from Nouakchott.
Saharan interior: not accessible
FCDO advises against all travel to the Saharan interior due to kidnap risk (AQIM and affiliated groups). Body recovery from interior desert areas is not achievable.
What to do first
FCDO: 020 7008 5000. British Embassy Rabat: +212 537 633 333.
Assert repatriation intent immediately through local contacts. Engage a specialist firm with Arabic-language documentation capability and North/West African experience. Non-resident Embassy coordination via Rabat requires advance preparation of documents.
Sources: UK FCDO Mauritania travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania, updated 2024); British Embassy Rabat.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated May 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions