Travelling Internationally With Ashes

Flying internationally with a loved one’s ashes involves a few more steps - but it’s entirely possible. The key is preparation, especially when it comes to documentation and knowing your destination’s rules.

 

✅ What You’ll Need for International Travel with Ashes

At a minimum, you'll need:

• A sealed, labelled urn (non-metal if possible)
• Cremation Certificate and Death Certificate
• Customs or import approval from the destination country (this varies country to country)

 

🛂 Check Destination Rules First

Different countries have very different requirements for bringing in cremated remains. Some need:

• Advance permission or consular clearance
• Special customs forms
• Translation of documents

❗ Examples:

• India, UAE, and China are known for stricter entry rules
• New Zealand, UK, and USA are more straightforward but still require the right documentation

 

✈️ Airline Requirements

Always contact your airline before flying. Some airlines:

• Have their own forms or policies
• Only allow ashes as carry-on
• May ask for documentation in advance

Also: metal urns can cause delays during x-ray screening—so opt for TSA/X-ray friendly containers if possible.

 

💡 Tips for International Ashes Travel

• Keep all documents on hand, not in checked luggage
• Label the urn clearly
• Declare the ashes at customs if required
• Speak to the funeral director or crematorium - they may be able to help with destination-specific paperwork

 

🌍 Final Thoughts

Flying overseas with ashes is more admin-heavy, but with the right preparation, it can be done respectfully and legally. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to organise documents and check airline or embassy requirements.

Have questions? We’re happy to help guide you through it.