Ashes repatriation within Europe

With ashes repatriation, the deceased is cremated in the country where they died and the urn is then brought home. A family member can carry it, it can go as air freight, and in some countries an approved courier can deliver it. This is simpler to arrange than moving a coffin and usually costs considerably less, because you need neither a zinc-lined coffin nor air freight for one. Including the local cremation, it typically takes one to three weeks.

How it works

We arrange the cremation at a crematorium in the country of death, working with a trusted local funeral director.
We get the documents: the death certificate, the cremation certificate, and any transport or export permit the country of departure asks for.
The urn travels home with a family member, as freight or by courier. Before it leaves, we check the exact rules of the airline and of both countries.

Carrying an urn on a flight

Most airlines allow an urn in cabin baggage, but it has to go through x-ray screening. So the urn should be made of wood, cardboard, plastic or another material that x-rays can pass through, rather than metal. The usual, reliable way is a sealed transport urn with its documents. We prepare everything so that check-in and security go as smoothly as they can on a hard day.

Before you choose cremation abroad

Cremation has to fit the wishes of the deceased and the family, and any religious requirements. Some faiths do not allow it.
Once the cremation has taken place, a viewing or open-casket farewell at home is no longer possible. If that matters to your family, a farewell can sometimes be arranged locally before the cremation.
The destination country may have its own rules for burying or scattering ashes. We advise you on these as part of the arrangements.

Trying to decide between a coffin and an urn? Read our honest comparison of the two.

How it works

Carrying an urn on a flight

Before you choose cremation abroad

Talk to us when you’re ready