Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Brazil
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; ANVISA authorisation This page covers what Brazil requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
3-10 days to arrange
What does Brazil require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; ANVISA authorisation
Carrying ashes out: Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
Burial traditional. Cremation growing but still minority (~10-15%).
Documentation language: Portuguese
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
Documents you need
- Death certificate
- Cremation certificate
- ANVISA authorisation
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
What does Brazil require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Brazil. Crematoriums will issue a cremation certificate, which is the core document for export. In some countries, additional certificates from health or foreign affairs authorities are required. The funeral director who handled the cremation will guide you on this.
What affects the cost?
Carrying ashes home yourself is the least expensive way to bring someone back from Brazil, and for many families it costs little more than the return flight they are already taking. We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.
| What changes the cost | Why |
|---|---|
| Whether the cremation has already taken place | Arranging it locally adds funeral director and crematorium involvement |
| Where the death happened | Distance to the nearest crematorium changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation Brazil requires | Export permits and translation, where they apply |
Send us the details of your situation and we will give you a figure, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide
Complete guide: repatriation from Brazil
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Brazil: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Brazil: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
If you are unsure about the paperwork or airline requirements, we can take it from here.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for Brazil
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Brazil
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Brazil
Tell us where the ashes are now and where home is. We will explain what is needed and send you a quote. We send ashes home to the UK, Ireland or any other country.