Repatriation from Australia to Marshall Islands

In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Marshall Islands takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.

The core documents are: death certificate (state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. Death certificates are issued in English. No translation is required for English-speaking destinations. Certified translation may be required for non-English-speaking destinations. Source: FCDO Travel Advice Australia 2025.

The Canberra-based British embassy or high commission 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.

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 Australia must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in Australia 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.