Can You Take Ashes Abroad on a Plane? Essential Rules & Costs

Can You Take Ashes Abroad?

In short, yes, you can take ashes abroad.

But there are several factors to consider, including departure country regulations, arrival country requirements, airline policies, and customs rules when taking human ashes abroad.

Note: Some countries, like Saudi Arabia, forbid the transportation of ashes because it goes against Islamic law. Therefore, you would not be able to take ashes to these countries.

Traveling with Ashes? Ensure your loved one’s ashes are fully travel-ready now!

Can You Take Ashes on a Plane?

Yes, you can take ashes on a plane.

Although not all airlines have specific policies regarding human ashes, we have yet to encounter an airline that prohibits it.

And if you’re wondering, “Can I take ashes on a plane internationally?”, the answer is also yes, but with certain conditions.

List of Airlines

Click the links below to review specific rules for traveling with ashes on each airline:

Aer Lingus
Air Canada
Air France
Air India
Air New Zealand
American Airlines
Austrian Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Delta Air Lines
easyJet
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Finnair
Jet2
KLM Airlines
Lufthansa
Qantas
Qatar Airways
Ryanair
Singapore Airlines
SWISS Air
TUI
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Wizz Air

Your airline not listed? The general guidelines provided on this page should apply to most airlines and trips involving the transport of human ashes.

Do You Need Permission?

Yes, you will need permission to transport human ashes on an aircraft prior to your flight.

You need to contact the airline directly, as each has its own rules and procedures for carrying ashes, such as whether they can be carried in the cabin or the hold, and the type of container required.

What Paperwork Do You Need to Take Ashes on a Plane?

Here are all the documents you will need for transporting ashes abroad:

• Cremation Certificate
• Death Certificate
• Country-Specific Certificates (varies by destination)

The cremation and death certificates are documents you should already have.

Additional Documentation May Be Needed: Extra Country documentation from your destination country maybe required. Refer to the information below for further guidance

Guidelines for the Urn and Ashes

Cabin or Checked Luggage

We strongly advise using cabin luggage for ashes to minimise the risk of misplacement, damage, or loss during transit.

Airlines will allow you to store your cabin luggage either under the seat or in an overhead compartment near you.

Type of Materials

We recommend using a non-metallic urn, as it’s crucial to choose a container that can be easily detected by X-ray security.

If security personnel cannot see through the container, it may cause issues during screening.

Avoid materials like lead, which effectively block X-rays. Common materials provided by crematoriums and funeral directors include:

• Ceramic
• Wood
• Metal (such as aluminium or brass)
• Glass
• Biodegradable materials
• Cardboard

Note: In some countries you will need to transport the ashes in a specific wooden casket container.

Weight Considerations

Most airlines have a carry-on luggage weight limit ranging between 8 kg and 12 kg.

• Ashes Weight: Between 1.8 kg and 4 kg.
• Container Weight: An additional 1 kg to 3 kg.
• Total Weight: Between 2.8 kg and 7 kg.

Keep these weight considerations in mind when taking ashes abroad, as some airlines can be strict, especially when the plane is at full capacity.

Dimensional Specifications

Urns typically range from:

• Height: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)
• Diameter: 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)

Ensure your bag or rucksack accommodates these dimensions. 

Additional Luggage Options

Some airlines offer the option to pay extra for additional luggage. This could be beneficial if you’re traveling with other large items.

Country-Specific Regulations for Carrying Ashes

Understanding the regulations of both the departure and destination countries is essential.

Taking Ashes Out of the Country

The documentation needed to transport ashes out of the UK depends on whether the destination country requires it. This may seem confusing initially, but it will become clearer below.

It is referred to as the Out of Country Certificate (in England and Wales, it is known as the Out of England Certificate).

Who issues the document? Coroners are the ones that issue the Out of Country document. 

However, sometimes this document is hard to obtain as Coroners State that it is not required, as their jurisdiction is limited to human bodies, not ashes.

Who needs to see the document?

Commercial Airlines: Generally do not require this document.

Embassy: May require it if they are involved in the process, meaning you will need to submit the Out of Country Certificate to obtain the necessary document for transportation in return.

Bringing Ashes into the Destination Country

First, verify if the destination country allows the importation of ashes.

Countries That Do Not Allow You to Bring Ashes In:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Note: If you’re on a connecting flight through these countries but not staying, you will be fine. Restrictions apply to final destinations.

Purpose of Taking the Ashes
Authorities may inquire

• Are you planning to scatter the ashes? Some countries forbid scattering ashes. Or you may need permission from local authorities.
• Where will the ashes be kept? In countries like Germany, it’s illegal to keep ashes personally; they must be stored in a cemetery or columbarium.

Required Documents for the Destination Country

Certain countries may require additional documents for taking ashes in their country. These may include

• Legalised Death & Cremation Certificate: Officially certified and authenticated for use abroad by the FCDO.
• Translated Death & Cremation Certificate: Translated into the official language of the destination country.

and more…

• Approval from the Health Ministry: Some countries require authorisation from their health department.
• Transit Permit: Issued by the embassy, consulate, or high commission of the destination country.
• Sealed Urn or Casket: Some countries may specify that the urn or casket be sealed by the Embassy.
• Professionally Translated Documents: Translation by a certified translator to ensure accuracy.
• Notarised Documents: Officially notarised to confirm their authenticity. Signed by a Solicitor or Notary Public.

Familiarising yourself with the regulations and organizing all required documentation ahead of time will help ensure a hassle-free journey and prevent any issues at your destination.

Flying with Connecting Flights

As long as you adhere to the regulations of your final destination, there should be no issues when transiting through another country—unless your itinerary includes an overnight stay.

Direct Transit: In some airports, you can proceed directly to your connecting gate without additional security checks. No issues should arise in this scenario.

Security Re-Check: In other airports, you may need to go through security again. Simply present your connecting flight details to border control, and you should face no problems.

Overnight Stay: If you have an overnight layover, you may need clearance from both the transit country and your destination country.

Flying with ashes on a connecting flight? Make sure your loved one’s ashes are fully travel-ready today.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Ashes Yourself?

There are no additional airline fees for carrying ashes on a plane, as long as you adhere to the airline’s guidelines for carry-on or checked luggage.

However, when traveling internationally with human ashes, country-specific costs may apply. These can include:

• Permit Fees: Charged by the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
• Documentation and Certification Costs: Such as obtaining translated, notarized, or legalized documents.
• Import Taxes: May be imposed at customs, where you might need to declare the ashes.
• Suitable Container: Costs for purchasing an approved urn or container that meets airline and customs requirements.

It’s important to research these potential expenses ahead of time to ensure smooth travel.

Learn about country-specific regulations and costs for transporting human ashes.

Top Tips

• Arrive Early: Get to the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight to allow ample time for security checks, which can take 20–45 minutes longer when carrying ashes.
• Communicate Clearly: Inform security personnel respectfully about the contents of your luggage.
• Keep Documents Handy: Have all necessary documents accessible for inspection.

Checklist for Taking Ashes Abroad

Z Contact the Airline: Confirm policies and obtain required permissions.
Z Prepare Documents: Gather the death certificate, cremation certificate, and country-specific permits.
Z Choose an Appropriate Urn: Ensure it is non-metallic, X-ray friendly, and meets size/weight limits.
Z Check Country Regulations: Verify import rules and additional requirements for the destination.
Z Plan for Connecting Flights: Understand transit country rules and prepare for security checks.
Z Pack Properly: Carry ashes in your hand luggage with documents easily accessible.
Z Arrive Early: Reach the airport 2–3 hours before departure.

Would you like us to take care of transporting the ashes for you? Learn more today.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a respectful and smooth journey for your loved one’s remains during this sensitive time.

We do hope you have a safe flight : )

Need Some Help?

We will be happy to answer your questions.

Email: airline@rosyinternational.co.uk

UK Callers: 0800 058 4557

International Callers: +44 800 058 4557