Travelling with ashes: it is usually possible to travel with a loved one’s ashes.
Some countries are easier than others. As Brian Parson expert on cremation from the Funeral Services Journal says: ‘it can be problematic, not so much the UK end, but countries like the Philippines treat the cremated remains the same as a body. Even in some European countries such as Italy and Poland it can be problematic, France and Germany can present issues too.‘
If you choose to carry ashes with you when travelling, then following is what we consider to be the best approach:
You will need:
- a certified copy of the death certificate, and
- the cremation certificate.
- to carry the cremated remains in a non-metallic urn to allow screening.
You should:
- speak to airline operator in advance – this is the first thing you should do as it will solve most issues. We have contacted a number of airlines, have a look to see if yours is covered and what they say – Airline Policy
- expect to take it on as hand luggage.
- obtain a statement from the crematorium or the funeral home confirming the urn contains only the ashes of the deceased.
- arrive at the airport early in case of any delay at security.
Depending on the country it may be necessary to:
- notify customs.
- contact the embassy of the country where the ashes are destined and they should be able to help you with what needs to happen at their end.
Don’t just turn up at the departure gate and aim for the sympathy vote – you could well be turned away.
Unaccompanied cremation ashes can be sent by air freight under certain circumstances. We can help deal with for you, see our page on Transporting cremated remains
Hello,
My nan recently passed away and we decided to cremate her, as it was her wish. We would like to bring her back to Poland where she was born but as we are travelling as a big family, we would be driving there, are there any restrictions on just carrying ashes through France? We wouldn’t be stopping there and our final destination is Poland however some articles read I would need some paperwork from funeral parlours there?
Many thanks!
Dear Michael
You will be fine going through France, as for getting the as into Poland I sure this will be fine, although again as nationals customs is unlikely to prevent you from bring them in.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi,
I wish to take some of my dad’s ashes to scatter in China. I have a scattertube, the death certificate and the cremation certificate. Do I also need to speak with the Chinese Embassy in the UK?
Thank you.
Hi Sandy
I know they do scatter ashes in China, although I have never been able t work out what the rules are and whether they apply to foreign nationals. I would also say that you should get your hopes up when it comes to communicating with any embassy the Chinese embassy can be rather unresponsive.
Kind regards
Richard
Is it possible to scatter ashes on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania? Can ashes be scattered over land, or must they always be scattered over water?
Hi, I am afraid we don’t keep database for everywhere in the world. I suspect you need to contact the tour operator who may have more local knowledge.
Hi Richard
I am planning to take my fathers ashes to South Africa in December. My son will actually be carrying them in his hand luggage as he is on a direct flight with BA (I am travelling on a different flight), so I just wanted to make sure I have everything in order for him. His ashes are currently in a bag/box from the funeral director, but I plan to put the ashes in a scattering tube, do I need to wax seal this or anything like that for travelling purposes. He will have the death certificate and certificate of cremation with him.
Many thanks
Hi Kirsty – sorry for the delay, this has only just shown up. Your plan is good, I would think you wouldn’t need any wax sealant or such. Just the documentation suggested.
Kind regards
Richard
Miria D. Jackson. I am relocating to live in the UK. I wish to bring my mother’s and husband’s ashes with me. I have copies of the death certificates but cannot obtain a copy of the cremation certificates, because of the time lapse. Can I still bring them into the UK< Thanks.
Yes I am sure that will be fine.
I would like to take my parents Ashes to corfu, what domi need to do and what paperwork do i need?
Thank you for advice in advance
Dear Richard, I intend to take my husband’s ashes to either Switzerland or Croatia, I contacted their embassies and both countries are fine with that. My issue is that the funeral director in the UK offers only a large wooden box and say these are the only urns they can put their seal on. I am worried how will I open this box on location where I want to scatter the ashes. The funeral company also have a smaller aluminium urn, too, but that would not be suitable for airport scanners, i asked about a plastic one (if I buy online), they said they cannot be sealed either. Where do I find an urn that can be suitable for transport across borders and can be sealed, so that I would be able to unseal ? I don’t know what a seal looks like and the funeral directors get annoyed by me asking about it in detail. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Nata
Hi Nata
Use a scatter tube – that is what everyone else does. If you are accompanying the ashes that is all you need. I don’t wish to criticise the funeral director as they may have better information than me. If you didn’t want to make a fuss – just ask them to put the ashes into one of them and don’t elaborate, if you are scattering in more than one location it may be better to use more than one scatter tube (spilt the ashes) as once they are opened they are not as secure….
I hope it goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
We are traveling to Malawi on Ethiopian Airlines from the UK. We have the death certificate and cremation certificate – do you know if we need anything else or to contact either the airline or customs in advance? Many thanks
You should be fine, however I have no experience of either two elements of this (Ethiopian airlines or Malawi customs) so it may be wise to check.
Hi
We are wanting to take my Grandad’s ashes to Spain with us, they are not being scattered and are staying with family there for the foreseeable. We know what we need for our airline but would we still require the certificates to be translated in Spanish, if not being scattered or brought back to the UK.
Thank you
Sophie
Hi Sophie
If you are not doing anything other than storing them, I would not go to the trouble (this is my considered opinion – I am not a lawyer).
Kind regards
Richard
Dear Richard
Could you inform me how difficult it is to take ashes to Iceland
No more thank anywhere else Howard, follow the advice and you should be fine.
Hi,
My father died on Grand Cayman while on a cruise.
I’m planning to take the same cruise early next year and I’d like to take some of his ashes back to scatter at various points on the journey.
I’d be flying from Canada to the US to board the ship.
Any issues that you can forsee?
Regards,
Ian
Hi Ian
This is worth a look Last Cruises – ashes scattered from cruise liners
We often have to write a letter to certify that the urns are biodegradable.
All he best
Richard
Hi Richard, I will be flying Ryan Air UK (MAN) to Dublin with my Aunts ashes. They will be in a Scatter Tube and I will have a copy of death certificate as well as certificate of cremation. Is there anything I should be doing pre flight.
Very Many Thanks, Karen
That Sounds fine to me Karen
Regards
Richard
Hello Richard,
I will be travelling to Vienna Austria with a small plastic container of my father’s cremains. I have both the Certificate of Death and the Cremation Certificate. Will these documents be sufficient to clear through Austrian Customs? Do I need to translate the documents?
Hi Lesa
No you don’t. My worry is, is the container robust enough if it gets knocked.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi I’m wanting to transport my brothers remains/ashes from Sydney to Hobart on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to give to my mum who lives in Hobart. Do you know what is required to do this?
Hi Jemma
If you have them in your cabin with you that is fine, take the death/cremation certificate with you just in case it is needed.
Kind regards
Richard
We are travelling to Kenya from the UK next week to take my wife’s ashes to her favourite holiday destination. Are there any special requirements that we need to be aware of ..
We have the cremation and death certificates
None that I am aware of. Hope all goes well. Kind regards
Richard
I’m traveling to Mumbai , India on 19/1/23
I m traveling from UK to India
I have a Death Certificate , Crematorium Certificate and an Affadvit from the undertakers
I have already advised the airline as to the transport of ashes in advance so they are aware
Do I need permission from Indian Authorities to transport ashes in India ?
My wife passed away in Spain last year and I have the death certificate and confirmation of Cremation. Our youngest son died in the UK in 1997 and is buried in the church yard in Bicester, Oxfordshire. I would like my wife’s ashes to be scattered on his grave. Would this be acceptable?
Dear Peter
First step is to contact the church/cemetery where they were interred. Different cemeteries have different rules.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi,
I’m due to collect my father’s ashes from Hong Kong to bring back to the UK, but can’t seem to find a straight answer as to what I will need.
We have the death certificate and cremation certificate. We’ve also been advised to apply for a license of sorts when we arrive in Hong Kong.
The ashes have been sealed in a jade urn – I’ve read its best not to have ashes in a stone or ceramic urn as this can cause issues with x-ray scanning.
I’d be grateful for any advice you can provide.
Kind Regards,
Hi Terri
I am not aware of certification for Hong Kong. If the ashes are sealed in a jade urn – then this may be more tricky as I don’t know how easy these are to scan, whether the airline would be happy or whether the ashes could be accessed if necessary.
If you could send me a link or something for the certification I am happy to have a look for you.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Richard,
I intend to take my late Grandmother’s Ashes from Thailand to the UK.
The Ashes are in a sack which I intend to place in a large suitcase for transportation on the airline.
As the Ashes are not in a purpose made urn, will I have an issue with customs on our way through?ny information provided.
Possibly yes Simon, many airlines don’t like the ashes in the hold. This page should describe what you need, the urn needs to robust and scannable
I hope it goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
Wewanto take our daughters ashes to Kenya to be scattered. She was married in Kenya but both sge and her husband are British and do not have Kenyan citizenship. Is this a problem.
Hi Linda
I am sorry for the slow response this has only just shown up. I am afraid I don’t know anything about rules in Kenya. The UK is reason unique in its relaxed attitude toward this, Kenyan authorities are likely to take a different view.
Kind regards
Richard
What are the regulations for scattering ashes in Bermuda.I have a death certificate and cremation certificate.The ashes are in a scatter tube.
That is a good question John, I am afraid I don’t know. If I discover anything I will add it to this comment.
Kind regards
Richard
hi john if you find out anything reply here, because we are looking into bermuda as well for our grandmother
I intend to take some of my wife’s ashes to put them in her mother’s grave in southern Ireland.
Will I need permission from the cemetery to allow me to do this.
Dear Ronald
Yes you would need permission from the Church, I suspect you may be disappointed as it is a Catholic church’s stance that ashes need to be kept as a whole.
I wish you all the best
Kind regards
Richard
Hello, my friend’s mother has just passed away abroad and she’s not a UK citizen. Would that be a problem to bring her ashes into the UK? My friend is a permanent resident here and she wants to spread her mom’s ashes in the country. Thank you in advance.
Hi Scarlett – that will be fine no problem.
Thanks
Richard
Hi I’m wanting to take some of my wife’s ashes to Kefalonia on 23rd July. They are currently contained in a largish wooden casket , but I believe the regs for Greece are more complicated. I have permission from TUI for them to go on the plane, an out of England cert, cremation cert and death certificates.
Chris, you can take the ashes to Greece. It depends what you want to do with them. Scattering is not part of Orthodox Culture as such I have never heard of permission bein formally granted, as I understand it people do scatter there – but this is done without permission. Hope it goes well.
Hi
Sorry if this has already been asked but couldn’t see what I’m looking for.
My father has passed away and m we want to scatter his ashes in Benidorm. We know to contact the airline and customs but we can’t find any help as to what we need to complete for the Spanish side of things.
Any help would be appreciated
Hi,
I’m going to the Maldives and planning to take a small amount of ashes in a bag, would this be ok?
Thanks
Amanda
Hi Amanda
Do you mean in a small plastic ziplock type bag , or the urn in a small bag?
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Richard, I meant in a ziplock bag but I have seen you can obtain a small urn which may be better if I am allowed to take them inti the Maldives?
Many thanks
Amanda
Good idea Amanda – I suspect a zip lock bag may not be robust enough.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there im wanting to take my mums ashes onto a cruise ship we fly to dubrovnik to meet the cruise ship will i be allowed to carry them on the airline then scatter them when sailing on the cruise ship ? Thanks
Hi Jenny
Yes if the paperwork is correct for the plane. Cruise ships often need advance notice and the correct urn. Please check with them in advance.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
I am planning to take my husband ashes to visit Israel before we have the burial in US.
Do you see any issue entering Israel?
Thanks
Lily
No Lily I don’t, I hope it goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
We are returning to the UK and want to take my mother’s ashes back with us.she died in 2001 and we brought her ashes with us.we are shipping our belongings via sea container
We brought them in 2004 with no problem what is the practical now
Hi Ann
Yes that should be fine. I would make specific refence to them on the shipping list to avoid any mishaps.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi,
My dog has passed away recently while I have been arranging to immigrate to UK , since I had planned to take her along., I now want to take her ashes with me on plane CX and transit BA to Scotland – Glasgow. Kindly advise any special documents I must apply from Hong Kong and to UK?
Many thanks.
Dear Ursula
We really deal with human ashes. However I would follow the same procedure. The airlines seem less concerned by pet ashes.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi, I intend on taking my late husbands ashes to Dublin, by Ryan Air in July. They were given to me in a box by the Funeral directors, so I have had them transferred into a screw-top type plastic container. I have the death certificate, cremation certificate and a letter from the Funeral directors. We intend to hire a boat and scatter the ashes out in Dublin Bay or somewhere near….. can you foresee any issues, I haven’t sort any kind of permission from Ireland about this and to be honest wasn’t going to…….
Kind regards, Glennis
That seems like a good plan, there is a boat in Dublin that can help https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/boats-scattering-ashes/boats-ireland/republic-ireland-dublin/
Kind regards
Richard
Thanks Richard, are you able to give me the Company name for the Boat in Dublin, or can we only contact via your page. Many thanks, Glennis
Via the page Please Glennis, we need it for our records if that is okay. Thanks!
Thanks for the article. My late wife is of Russian nationality. I plan to divide the ashes in two and bring half to her family, where they will inter them. However, because of the political situation, I will not be traveling to Russia myself. Instead, I will meet her family in Kyrgyzstan, give them the ashes, and they will bring them back to Russia.
Do you foresee any problems with this plan? Another option would be to wait until the mail service is back to normal, but I don’t know how long that will take, and I don’t trust the Russian post office (severe delays with packages in the past).
Michael, gosh that is difficult. I think if you follow the advice then there would be no reason to think it wouldn’t work. I would go belt and braces on the paperwork…
Best of Luck
Richard
I wish to take my cats ashes with me from the UK in the USA. If I have them stored in a sealed plastic container will this be ok at customs, I am flying from LHR to DEN. American Airlines said they do not have any restrictions but I wondered if the airport would.
I am not aware of any restriction either make sure the urn is x-rayable and the it is unlikely to open if it gets knocked.
Kind regards
Richard
Hello,
I am traveling from Denver to Oslo (via Germany) with our son’s ashes. We have the container and documentation required for traveling. Do you see any issues with TSA/US and Customs-Germany and Norway that would be of concern?
Thank you.
Hi Patricia
I can’t foresee anything untoward happening – if you have the documentation and the correct urn. Most airports are very respectful.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
I am planning to bring my husband back to the Philippines but wanted to come back with us in the uk. Will I be allowed to do that?
Yes I am sure that will be fine
Hi,
I want to take my sisters ashes to Florida in July as we have some family over there that would like to have some for jewellery etc.
I have all the paper work as in her death certificate, cremation certificate etc.
I have read policies and have also spoken to Virgin who have said that if I follow the policy then I will be fine, but I am slightly worried about when I arrive in the US. As long as I have all the correct paper work, should I be okay?
Yes Kirsty you should be okay, people do this all the time, as long as you follow the advice.
Kind regards
Richard
I would like to take my mother’s ashes to Ireland via ferry – assuming I have the paperwork mentioned above do I need to anything else?
Yes that right Nick
Can I scatter/deposit my brother’s ashes in the Valtava River Prague?
Hi Rony
I have had a search and I am afraid I can’t establish whether that would be permitted on not. Very sorry.
Kind regards
Richard
Hello, my problem is a bit different but I hope you can help me!
I will move to the UK permanently. As I will not return to my country of origin, I do not want my family’s bones to be left in an unattended cemetery there. Care of deceased remains is very important in my culture, and leaving the remains in an unattended cemetery plot in my native country is unacceptable.
I’d like to know if there is any way I can bring my family’s bones to the UK, to be interred here in a cemetery plot.
The remains (bones) are old, some of them dating back 100 years, so probably dried out completely.
I would be grateful for any advice.
Thank you!
Can I scatter my mom and dads ashes either in the sea if not on land in Tenerife.
Hi Nichola
I would suggest the sea as there are less likely to be objections.
Regards
Richard
Hi, looking some advice, my aunt died in the USA, we have no family there to take care of anything and my 84 year old grandmother is unable to travel out, nor am I as I have just had a baby, we are hoping to have cremains brought to UK, is there any way of doing this
Thanks
Hi Laura
Yes I sure it can be done if you are in touch with the funeral directors and this was her wish. I’ll complete a courier form for you – they should be able to assist.
Kind regards
Richard
I am taking my Husbands ashes to Fiji in February of 2022 , my Husband passed in July of 2018 is there anything I need to know ( covid regulations )?
Dear Lorie The above should apply, ashes are not subject to any additional Covid restrictions
I am looking at taking my partners ashes out to the costa Blanca in Feb
I have the death certificate, the crematorium paperwork and also getting a letter from the funeral home. Looking at putting the scatter tube in my luggage going in the hold. Have I got the correct paperwork and do you think I need any to get permission from Spain to say I can scatter his ashes
Hi Jan
Sounds well organised. Most airlines don’t like ashes n the hold in case anything happens. I doubt you will get permission, scatter ashes is not a practise in Spain, as a catholic tradition the tend to bury. I know people do do it but this tends to be without permission.
All the best
Richard
I haven’t passed yet, but am seeking help to organize my funeral. I would like to pay in advance so my children don’t have to pay for me. Something cheap, pine box and cremated, no ceremony, you know the rest. placed in a urn and given to my second eldest daughter. simple.
I need to know how much this will cost ? I would like to pay for the funeral in advance, and get the contract.
* I would like to know the service I’m paying for and the cost.
* And a statement to say there are no more costs to pay for after my death.
Robyn thanks for the comment. We are not the best people to ask on this. I would suggest the following site https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/. I hope this helps
Hello,
We plan to take a small amount of my moms ashes to scatter, we are travelling from canada to the US, they are in a small plastic bag and in a small cardboard box no bigger than 2x2x1/2 an inch big. Will we need to bring the correct paper work? Because it’s so small will it matter if it is in checked banged?
Hi Paige
I am afraid I can’t answer that, I always think it is better to keep them with you in case you luggage goes missing or ends up in a different airport…
Kind regards
Richard
My son is taking his grandmother ashes back to Portugal in April. His father has not gotten all the information needed to do this and their trip.is now booked..what do we need to take her ashes back home. We are are Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. Need your help ASAP. Thanks
Dear Giselle
You still have time to get the information you need. I would also call you flight operator. I am sure it will be fine.
Kind regards
Rich
A really useful webpage, many thanks.
For anyone using KLM, their policy is at https://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/customer_support/customer_support/all_about_customer_support/index.htm#g_np_sa=1&sa=ask-3
An urn can be taken as part of hand baggage, or as check-in baggage.
• The urn’s crematorium certificate must be brought and be shown during security check, so the urn will not be opened.
• If taken as part of hand baggage, the urn can measure max. 55 x 25 x 35 cm / 21.5 x 10 x 13.5 in (l x b x h).
• The urn cannot be made of metal (ie: x-rayable, so wood etc is OK)
• The urn must be sealed and wrapped in such a way that other passengers cannot identify it as an urn.
• To request transportation of an urn, please contact the KLM Customer Contact Centre (+44 20 7660 0293) , quoting your booking code, so they will put a note against your file for check-in use etc
For ashes being hand carried to the Republic of Korea by air, neither the ROK consulate nor the airport of arrival need any prior notice or documentation.
Excellent Mike thanks you!
Hi I’m traveling going to the Philippines I’m taking the ashes of my husband how much is the charge.
Hi Richard
A friend died recently and we would like to take a very small amount of their ashes to scatter in some of their favourite cities including Prague, Athens and Berlin – I would be travelling from Dublin.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Seo
Dear Seo
This is a nice idea. For travelling with the ashes please follow the advice above. As for the scattering law in Greece and Germany are restrictive. However I am aware that if there are very small amounts ashes involved that others have used a quiet and discreet approach… Although obviously this a personal choice.
Regards
Richard
Hi Richard
Many thanks for the swift response, and for the good advice, can I check do you know anything about Prague and the Czech law.
Thanks
Seo
Hi Seo
Sorry yes I should have mentioned that scattering ashes is permitted in the Czech Republic. However the consent of the landowner must be given prior to the scattering ceremony. Basically the same as the UK.
Kind regards
Richard
I am looking to bring back a very small amount of my mum and dad’s ashes as they both passed away in their home in Spain, this is the first time we have been able to get out to Spain. Their urns with their ashes will stay at their home in Spain but I live in the UK and would like to have a little piece of both if them with me always,do I still need permission?
Whilst I can’t comment on the individual security at different airports I know people do this all the time, be minded that if you keep it in a metallic container they will not be able to X-ray it and a likely to be asked to open it.
Hello
We are planning to take a scatter tube of my husband ashes to Iceland in a week and half time. I have a death certificate and cremation certificate. Do I need a permit to scatter the ashes.
Thank you
Dear Tracey
Here is the foreign Office advice on Iceland I can see no specific reference to ashes but it does have some contacts that may be worth approaching if I find out anything useful I will put it on this thread.
Regards
Richard
Can i scatter ashes in malta
Cremation has only just been made legal in Malta. As far as I can tell the scattering of ashes is not permitted there.
Hello everyone out there! I plan to take and scatter the ashes of my wife to Russia this summer. I’ve read a lot of the Q and A on this site and a lot of the information is useful….but I am still unclear as to Russian policy regarding the scattering of ashes inside Russia….if anyone has experience of this could they share any information with me please?
Thanks!
Dear David
I have had a look for you and the rules around scattering ashes in Russia are fairly relax – here is he link that you need https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-pereavement-packinformation/russia-bereavement-information
Kind regards
Richard
Hi, we are travelling from South Africa to UK to spread my father’s ashes. He is a British citizen and hoping we won’t have issues at the airport. We have death certificate, cremation certificate and letter from them devaluing contents. Will they give us issues at airport. Also his ashes are stored in a wooden box which is sealed closed. Is this okay? Thanks
I wouldn’t have thought so, have you got a way to access the urn should they request it? That might be a good idea.
I hope that helps
Richard
I will be traveling directly from Los Angeles to Maui in January on Delta Airlines. I have a very small (old type) film canister (black plastic with a plastic lid) that contains a very small portion of my dad’s ashes that I would like to take with me. Am I able to check this with my luggage or take with my carry-on? Which one might be better or easier? With such a small amount will I even need to bring a copy of the death certificate and cremation certificate? How likely is it that such a small amount would be questioned?
Hi Cindy
Difficult questions. Firstly keep it with you it is less likely to get lost or come open.
I think they would still expect the ashes to be in a container that would not come open easily. I know the type you are talking about they are reasonably safe but can come open if bashed (eg in the overhead locker). Regarding the chances of you being questioned. It is perhaps less likely but it is not nil, so I wouldn’t want to say everything will be fine…. and then it isn’t. Hope that makes sense.
Regards
Richard
I would like to take my late husband’s ashes to be scattered in Portugal. I understand I need a certified translation of the death certificate and the cremation certificate. However, looking online for translation agencies, there appear to be several levels of certification – from certified by the translation agency up to an Apostille. Are you able to help with which level is required? Thanks in advance
Sorry Elizabeth I am not aware of this, is it for getting past customs?
Thanks
Richard
Can I just say I don’t get all the fuss. I put my husbands ashes in the hold travelling to gatwick to Athens with no problems . I had paperwork with me incase but I didn’t mention anything and no one said anything. I then took him to an island found a secluded beach and all of us including our children are very happy knowing he’s back home and in the sea that he loved. It’s not likely anyone will notice a bag of ashes .
Fantastic Emily I really glad it worked out for you. I think your experience is quite common if I am honest. And I am sure that would happen most of the time. But not all the time.
People get worried and anxious about doing something like this, they don’t want break the rules or they don’t want to get caught breaking the rule.
We can only pass on the rules that exist. Also we wouldn’t be acting responsibly if we just said ‘sure go ahead I doubt anything will happen’. Our aim is to minimise people’s anxiety and achieve a postive outcome.
Hi
I’m travelling to fuerturventura on Thursday with family to scatter my husband’s ashes.
I have telephoned Ryanair and they said all I need to do is, put the ashes in a scatter tube in my hand luggage, along with the cremation and death certificate, and be prepared to have them dip tested.
Is this correct? I’m anxious that they will confiscate the ashes
That seems very likely, but I can’t guarantee it 100%. If it was me I would go with the advice they give. This is not the permission to scatter by the way, this is the permission to carry them on the plane and go through customs.
Hello, did you ever get an answer about taking the ashes back to Portugal? My son is taking his grandmother ashes there in April and is having trouble figuring out everything he needs to do this.
Hi, I am wanting to take some of my mother’s ashes to Turkey and was wondering if there are restrictions?
Dear Sue
This is the advice from the British Consulate in Turkey:
“Cremation is not legal in Turkey and there are no cremation facilities. Bringing ashes of a loved one to Turkey is also restricted. The ashes can be brought to Turkey if the deceased or immediate family member is a Turkish national. Permission will be granted after the ashes are tested to be non-hazardous and authentic.”
Sorry if this is not the answer you were hoping for.
Regards
Richard
Hi,
I am travelling to Tenerife on holiday soon and we are away for the birthday of our still born son. We have his ashes in a small urn which a candle sits in. We usually light for his birthday, will we be able to travel on Jet 2 with this? We don’t have a death or cremation certificate as he was born at 23 weeks. Thank you.
Dear Laura
This is difficult, the candle urn you refer to are normally metal and as such would not be suitable for air transport (they might want to see inside the urn as it can’t be x-rayed). This issue is compounded by the lack of certification. I would contact Jet 2 directly, also if are committed to taking taking your son’s ashes you might need to allow the urn to be opened, or transfer the ashes into a more suitable container. Very sorry.
Regards
Richard
Hi there,
I am travelling to Helsinki, is it ok to transport ashes from the UK over to Finland?
Thanks,
Liv
Yes it is fine to do that.
I need to bring the ashes of a friend to England in December. Their airlines have given me their requirements, as have the US TSA. Will I have any problems entering England at Heathrow – with customs or security?
Thank you,
KC
Hi, No not if you follow their advice.
Regards
Richard
Hi
I am looking to take a small amount of my grandads ashes with me to Mexico, do you know what I will need and are they ok to scatter
Hi
You would be able to transport them into the country as far as I am aware. The law on scattering appear to be restrictive, although I have not been able to determine it clearly. I would suspect they would not favour it is as a Catholic country.
Regards
Richard
Has anyone any information on traveling on Icelandair with cremains? I would also love to know if anyone has spread ashes in Iceland or was able to successfully bury them at a cemetery there.
Thank you.
We haven’t personally had experience with Icelandair however open the question up to anyone who may have flown with them before. I would advise calling or emailing customer services for a definitive answer: https://www.icelandair.com/en-gb/support/baggage/restrictions/
Sadly I couldn’t find any information explicitly about the burial of ashes which are being transported from abroad however, for scattering you need to obtain a permit. Follow the instructions found here: https://www.syslumenn.is/thjonusta/leyfi-og-loggildingar/leyfi-til-dreifingar-a-osku-latins-manns/
Hope this helps.
I am after a little advise on transporting my father in-law’s ashes by car from the Uk back to Poland. Will i need any special paperwork or permissions to cross borders etc?
Thanks for any help and advise
Is it possible to scatter ashes in Morocco?
I doubt it, it is muslim country, you could scatter without permission, be we could not advise that.
hi I’m travelling to Kenya with ashes are there any restrictions
Not that I am aware of and I can’t find anything online either.
Regards
Richard
Hi
I’m travelling to Germany and America on Saturday 19th October. I’m planning on taking some of my mums ashes with me. I have the death certificate. Would this be possible?
Thanks
Sarah
Yes it should be possible although I don’t know the rules between Germany and the US, but it likely to be the same, follow the advise on the page and contact the airline if you need greater surety.
Kind regards
Richard
I am traveling to the UK from the USA soon and would like to bring a small amount of my mother’s ashes, a teaspoon amount, to spread where our family came over from in the 17thC. Do I need to have the death and cremation certificates or can I place the ashes in a sealed container. Thank you for you response.
I am not sure there is any quantity exclusion in the rules and regs as such I would suggest following the advice above, I appreciate this might seem a bit over the top, but I can’t see there are exclusions.
Regards
Richard
I am traveling to Cyprus soon and I would like to take and scatter some of my wives ashes at one of her favourite spots I have cleared the procedure with my airline but need advice on the laws and rules of cyprus whether I can go ahead
Dear Michael
The religion of Cyprus is Greek Orthodox Church as such cremation is frowned upon let alone scattering. People do scatter there but they don’t ask for permission. Obviously we can’t promote this.
Kind regards
Richard
Can you bring ashes into Cuba?
Yes I think so. I have not seen anything to the contrary, this is just my opinion however.
Regards
Richard
I want to take my sons ashes to France by ferry.not to scatter but we cannot bear to leave him behind as the rest of the family are coming too.we have a caravan so I need to know if I can just travel with him
Dear Susan
You can travel with your son’s ashes. You will just need to make sure that you have the appropriate paperwork with you in case it is asked for by customs in either country. You can see the list of documents here on our Travelling with Ashes advice page.
Warmest wishes
Karen
Hi there
Could you advise if additional paperwork is needed for bringing ashes into the USA? Is it state specific at all?
To our knowledge it is federal and not state specific and you would not need any additional paperwork.
My sister lives in Germany and I personally want to hand over half of my dad’s remaining ashes to her. I’ve heard that certain airlines will allow you to take human ashes on board but other than showing the necessary paperworks once arriving at the country, I wont have anyone else taking my dad’s remains other than my sister. Will German officials at arrivals refuse me entry without the relevant person to take the ashes? Should I just ask my sister to this out on her side?
The rules in Germany are quite strict on ashes, but customs/immigration will not prevent your access into the country if you have them. They don’t like ashes scattered or being kept at home, but these issues tend to arise if the funeral has taken place in Germany.
Regards
Richard
Hi. I am travelling to Greece in September and want to take my mom’s ashes with to be scattered. I am really struggling to find out if this is possible. I have already checked with the airline and all good there. The only thing I need to confirm is whether Greece will allow me to take it into Greece and then scatter it in Santorini. Please can you help or guide me. Many thanks.
Hi Leoni
A lot of people ask about scattering ashes in Greece as you will see from the other questions above. Greece is a Christian Orthodox country and has no tradition of scattering ashes, as such you are unlikely to get permission. People do scatter there but this is of their own choice and as such we could not promote this. Kind regards Richard
hi there , is it possible to take ashes into HK from UK via Cathay Pacific ?
Yes I believe so – Here is the advice from the municpal authority – https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/ashes_in_water.html
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Richard
Hi,
wanting to scatter my mums ashes in Egypt in the next few weeks, I’ve spoken to the airline who have advised me of their procedure but I’m struggling to get in contact with the Egyptian embassy.
Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks
Hi
Embassies tend not to reply. However they would be very unlikely to grant permission as Egypt is very much a muslim country, where burial is the way it is done. I would think getting permission to scatter ashes would be unlikely. You could do it without permission, but that would be something we could not advise.
Kind regards
Richard
Will I have any problems getting the ashes threw customs when I am in eygpt?
Hi Aiden
You shouldn’t have if you follow the advice, but we can not give guarantees.
Regards
Richard
Hi! My mother died recently and I would like to take her ashes to Liverpool, which is the city she loves the most. We are Brazilian. Is there any restriction on entering ashes in the UK?
No there are no restrictions on bringing them in the country.
Kind regards
Richard
Thank You.
I will travel from Brazil, you know what I need to say to immigration agents when I arrive in the UK?
I would let customs and security know what you are carrying, it should be fine. Just follow the advise on the page.
Hi, I want to take a few of my brothers ashes to Cuba, do I need permission, it will just be a few in as clear sealed bag, I have a death certificate If needed.
Dear Tony
I am unaware if Cuba has any certain rules around ashes. I would recommend that you follow the guidance on the page concerning an appropriate container for the ashes and the certification.
Kind regards
Richard
Can i scatter mums ashes on her brothers gravesite in hong kong
It depends on the rules of the individual cemetery, you would need to contact the organisation that runs the cemetery where your uncle’s grave is.
Friends in the USA are travelling to the UK this summer and wish to bring a portion of the ashes to scatter in their parent’s home area. Having read your advise re certificates and container is there any other formality that they may encounter.
No, it should be fairly straightforward. Regards Richard
We want to take our Mum & Dads ashes to Jersey to scatter them, as this is where they got engaged and had their honeymoon, from above I see that to travel on a plane we need the Death Certificates, and Cremation Certificates and that the ashes need to be in Scatter tubes, who would i need to contact in Jersey as to where and if we can scatter the ashes there
Dear Karen
I found this on the Jersey’s government website:
Scattering of ashes
Ashes may be brought over to Jersey for scattering. No permit or permission is required but out of courtesy the Constable of the Parish should be advised by letter. Ashes may not be scattered within limits of a cemetery, they have to be placed in a wooden casket and buried. The church minister, priest or a funeral director can advise.
At this time every cremation needs to have the permission of the Medical Officer of Health but this is currently being put before the States.
Here is the link https://www.cab.org.je/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=355:cremations-cemeteries-graves-84512l6&catid=85&Itemid=104
I hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Hi I want to take some of my brothers ashes to Majorca to scatter I’m flying with Ryan air is the any restrictions on this as he alway said he would like to come on holiday with me and thought it be nice
Hi Lindsey
You can transport them there. However, they would be very unlikely to grant permission as Spain is very much a catholic country, and the catholic church doesn’t like scattering. So I would think getting permission to scatter ashes would be unlikely. You could do it without permission, but that would be something we could not advise.
Kind regards
Richard
I have my pets ashes sealed inside a heart pendant. is this ok to wear and take on a plane??
Yes absolutely fine
We are hoping to take some of our Sons ashes to Mykonos this summer to scatter some of his ashes in the place he loved. How easy would this be to do? Would I need permission to take them on the plane? We are flying EasyJet. Who do I contact about taking them into Mykonos. I don’t want to incur a problem.
Hi
You are able travel with cremation and a death certificate. You would need a the right urn. This is what Easyjet say: https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/transporting-ashes/travelling-with-ashes-on-an-easyjet-flight. As for permission scatter that might be more tricker. Most Greece is Orthodox Catholic country and do not generally allow the scattering of ashes, you may choose to do this without asking permission, but obviously we can’t advise that course of action.
Kind Regards
Richard
Hi, are there any restrictions on scattering Ashes in Malta, I’ve emailed the embassy but had no reply
Dear Paul
In my experience embassies never respond to such matters. The UK is one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to ashes. Other countries are more strict. Malta is Roman Catholic and don’t like ashes be scattered. People do do it without permission but it is not something we can promote.
Kind regards
Rich
How does my wife transport her Fathers ashes from Poland to South Africa?
This is the link page to our courier service I am not sure if they are to do this route. https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/services/transporting/
Regards
Richard
We plan to scatter my father’s ashes in Venice, Italy this summer as he wished. We have permission from the Comune di Venezia (the local authority) to do so in one of three nominated places, with a council official present, and all the paper work for transporting the ashes out of the country. However, they are asking for an additional form making it clear that under UK law it is legal to dispose of remains in this way – I think this is a local requirement as we can’t find anything under Italian regulations that requires this – and the Home Office automated response says it will take three weeks to get back to us. No one at the local London council seems to know what we are talking about when we ask for this form/stamp on existing form… I wondered if anyone else had experience of this and could advise.
Hi Cat
Please email us directly – info@scttering-ashes.co.uk – think we can help.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi. I have been reading your advice. We are in the midst of organising a trip from UK to France to scatter my parents in law. We have contacted the French consulate to have the ashes sealed by them with death and cremation certificates. We have also made arrangements with the mairie Town Hall. Today the consulate have asked us for our parents passports too. We don’t have these. Have you heard of this extra hurdle?
Dear Sarah
No I haven’t, I think I might be missing a piece of information. Are your parents in law French? Are the authorities wanting to check they have a ‘right’ to be scattered in the location desired. If we know what they wanted them for (other than unnecessary bureaucracy) it would be easier to understand if there is a document that could be substituted?
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there,
I am currently in the UK and am wanting to takes my Dad’s ashes to Sicily. EasyJet the airline have advised that carry on baggage with a death certificate and cremation certificate is fine, but I am unclear if this communication from Easyjet means that I would be okay getting the ashes into Catania in my scattertube? Is there any other required documentation for this?
Thanks
Their communication relates to carrying ashes on their plane, they don’t advise on the requirements for the country you are visiting. You should be able to pass through customs on the Italian side with what you have, through the green/blue channel.
Regards
Richard
I am bringing the ashes of my parents from Canada to the UK to scatter into the Sea. I have the appropriate documentation and container to board my flight. Do I need to declare them at customs in the UK? Is there any additional documentation that I need?
Thank you
Hi
No you don’t need to declare them and the death and cremation certificate is perfectly adequate.
Regards
Richard
My mother in law has been cremated and wishes for some of her ashes to be scattered in the river in Szczecin in Poland where she was born. I have covered off the airline issues but I am unsure re customs going into Poland and the issue re scattering the ashes. I would be grateful for advice please.
Hi
You are able travel with the documentation you have I would not anticipate any issues at Customs and I would not seek to declare them, as for permission scatter that might be more tricker. Most Catholic countries do not allow the scattering of ashes, as I understand it Poland is quite strict, you may choose to do this but obviously we can’t advise that course of action.
Kind Regards
Richard
Hi so I am travelling to Poland and would like to take a small amount of my dads ashes with me. I have all relevant paperwork so do I not declare it to the polish customs. Or will the airline I am flying with inform them. I am unsure as to wether I have to disclose to customs or not.
You are entitled to carry the ashes on the plane and take them into the country, it should not be an issue if you declare them. I would mention it to security.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
I am hoping to scatter my Mother’s cremation ashes in Mexico, as this is where she lived for a few years, and where I was born.
However I was wondering what documentation would be needed?
I have the death certificate and cremation certificate, both in English. Will this be enough?
I was not sure if I would need the documents translating into Spanish?
Thank you very much
Hi
You are able travel with the documentation you have, as for permission scatter that might be more tricker. Most Catholic countries do not allow the scattering of ashes, you may choose to do this but obviously we can’t advise that course of action.
Kind Regards
Richard
hello, i am looking to split my mums ashes, some here in the UK and the rest in Belgium, am I able to take open ashes to Belgium??? Currently in a sealed clear bag in a box. thanks for any help and advice.
Well yes, but not “open” unless you are driving. If you are flying I would suggest that the proportion you are taking with you are placed/sealed in an scannable urn such as a scatter tube.
Can anyone help me please
We are travelling from the UK to gran canaria one Sunday and our daughter who was cremated we have inside a memory bear. We don’t go anywhere without her and want to take her with us. I have contacted the funeral directors and airlines and they said we will be OK as long as we have the cremation certificate and death certificate and also we have a letter from the funeral directors saying what is inside the bear. We are more worried about when we come home from gran canaria to the UK and if we might face a problem as we don’t speak Spanish and don’t want her took off of us?
This is very tricky and strictly speaking this would be noncompliant, I understand your plight as an English speaker you could explain to the airline and customs what the bear contains and show documentation and this would be fine. Your concern is that spanish customs would be less sympathetic, this is a possibility although unlikely (although how unlikely is impossible to say as it will depend on the individual officer). If you were committed to take the bear then I would ask the help of the airline staff at the spanish end and as representatives of the airline and bilingual speakers they should help you pass the obstacle. I would say one thing, no matter what the bear is likely to be scanned. Sorry I can’t give you the absolute certainty you are after, I hope everything goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
I am bringing my uncle’s ashes home from leeds to ireland , l have death and cremation cert , will this be ok
Yes that will be fine, make sure they are in a suitable container – please see advice above.
Regards
Richard
Hi I am traveling to Canada and want to take just a small amount of my wife’s ashes with me to scatter. About an egg cup amount.
What do I need to do?
Dear Ian
The rules are the same regardless of the quantity, I would take them in an x rayable container that is sealed and take a copy of the cremation certificate.
Can I bring ashes from Cornwall to Oxford without getting permission from each county council on the way
Yes that is right – you do not need permission.
Do I need a death certificate to bring my daughters ashes to the UK from the US?? She is an US citizen, but I still do not have a death certificate…. I do have the cremations certificate and a certificate from the funeral home….. I have a ticket to fly on the 11th of this month….. Will customs accept those certificates?????
I am fairly certain that they will, we have no recorded incidents whether they have not been. And whilst I am not able to say categorically because we are not a statutory authority I would think you should have no problems whatsoever.
Kind regards
Richard
I want to bring my husband’s cremains, a British citizen, with me on a flight to London on April 27th. The container is of a metallic material….what is the protocol. Please help. Regards Joyce Gatland
The ashes will need to be in a non metallic container so they can be scanned, I would suggest a plastic urn or scatter tube. I hope this helps.
My father is a british subject but resided and died in California, USA. I want to mail his ashes home to England for scattering at family home there. I’m experiencing problems with the USPS who states they are the service who can mail cremated remains. The main problem is it keeps rejecting the parcel which is properly secured/labeled for being over 50grams. The package is approx. 14lbs or less. This is rediculos to me 50grams converts to 0.11 lbs not even 2ozs. How can this be possible it makes no sense to me? How do I resolve this or can it be resolved?
Susan (daugther)
Dear Susan
UK and US mail allow a very small amount of ashes to be transported for putting into keepsake jewellery. For a full set of ashes it is different UPS wont carry them in the UK and I presume the same is in the US. There are specialist courier services. They are quite expensive from the US this is a link to the our partner page https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/services/transporting/ I hope this helps.
Regards
Richard
Hi. The airline I’m flying with say the ashes must be in a hermetically sealed container. They are in a scatter tube. Does this count as hermetically sealed? If not, is it possible to have them transferred to something suitable? If so, will this cause problems as the number on the certificate of cremation won’t match the label on the scatter tube. Thank you.
Hermetically sealed just means air-tight, scatter tubes are effectively air-tight. We recommend people to use them for traveling. We can’t offer any guarantees as to what airline say, but we have never had one person told they are unsuitable. I hope that helps
Thanks you very much Richard. I’m very relieved to hear this information. Thank you.
Julie
My Grandma recently died and we will be having her cremated shortly. We have kept my grandads ashes as they wanted to be scattered together.
Their favourite place was Sorrento in Italy and we would love to scatter them together there. However it doesn’t look as simple as I thought it would be to organise.
Do you have any advice about how to go about organising this if possible? We live in the UK.
Thank you for any information you can provide.
Dear Lucy
Scattering law in most European countries is quite restrictive, there is presumption that families will inter ashes at a cemetery. It is unlikely that you will get explicit agreement from any statutory authorities. Sorry.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi,
I am planning to take some of my Dads ashes with me to NYC to scatter them, I have read your advice above but I don’t have the following information (death certificate my dad was killed in an accident and confirmation from the funeral directors as I am currently in a legal dispute with them) what other information can I take?
Thank you,
Dear Aimie
It may be possible if you have the cremation certificate, it should be fine but obviously I can’t offer any guarantees. I suggest you contact the airline you are travelling with.
I hope this of use.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi I would like to take my dads ashes to Cyprus would this be a problem
Hi Tanya
That should not be a problem if the above advice is followed.
Regards
Richard
hi I am returning to Soth africa tomorrow
can I take my brothers sealed ashes with me
That should be no problem if you follow the advice above. I would urge you to contact the airline to see if they have specific requirements.
Regards
Richard
I want to take my father’s ashes to France via ferry.
What are rulings on this form of transport.
It present no problems at all take a copy of the cremation / death certificate in case of questions from customs.
Hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Hi – I am wondering about bringing ashes into England from Canada to be scattered on a private cemetery of land I once owned. I was given permission to scatter them. I am unclear of how to bring the into the country by air, I have not yet booked my flight but what regulations do I need to follow to bring them into the UK? The ashes are of my father a UK citizen. Any help would be greatly appreciated, have had issues finding a clear answer. Thank you.
Hi
It should be fairly straightforward. It is legal to bring the ashes into the UK and scatter them if you have permission from the the land owner. As for the travelling with them please read the above guidance it should contain all the information you need.
Kind regards
Richard
I only want to take a small amount of my mums ashes to Bali, to have them put I to jewellery, I’m having made. Taking a small bag of power is going going to go down well? Any advice? I have certificates of death and cremation and will contact airline first but not sure as I’m only taking a small amount? Or want to, if possible
Dear Colette
Even to take a small amount of ashes with you, you will still need to follow the steps above. You will also require the ashes to be placed into a scannable container – we do offer a keepsake size in most scatter tube designs which would be suitable for in-cabin air travel.
We would never recommend taking ashes with you without informing the airline.
Best wishes
Hi,
I’m hoping to take a small scatter tube of my mum’s ashes to Florida in the USA in September.
I’m going to give TUI, the airline we’re traveling with a call, but would you know if there are likely to be any issues taking the ashes to the USA, or if there’s anything I need to know?
Thanks.
Nothing specifically apart from the guidance on this page, you are allowed to carry ashes into USA territory.
Kind regards
Richard
Is it possible to take ashes to Spain to scatter ashes in the sea?
Dear Liz
Many people do this and it wont have any environmental impact. Regrettably, I have not been able to get a uniform position from the spanish authorities, so I can’t give a categorical answer, Sorry.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
Sorry for adding to someone else’s post but I have the same question about scattering ashes at sea in Spain, specifically Barcelona.
I wondered if you have any further information on this – necessary licences etc.
I am aware of the death certificate, cremation certificate and having these translated to Spanish but think it might be likely that I need some form of permission from the Spanish Authorities to scatter.
To the original poster – I hope your scattering went well.
Thank You
Dear Emma
I am afraid I don’t at this stage. I can’t find anything about scattering in spanish coastal waters.
Kind regards
Richard