Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from the British Virgin Islands
You have ashes in the British Virgin Islands and need to bring them home. This page covers what British Virgin Islands requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
What does British Virgin Islands require before ashes can leave?
Cremation facilities are not available in the BVI. Full body repatriation is required.
Routing from the British Virgin Islands: Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Beef Island near Tortola has connections to Antigua (ANU), San Juan (SJU, Puerto Rico), and other Caribbean hubs. No direct UK service. Most practical UK routing via Antigua (direct BA/LIAT to London Gatwick) or via Miami/New York.
Departure airports: EIS (Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island, Tortola), VIJ (Virgin Gorda Airport)
Documentation language: English
Authority that must release the case: Civil Registry and Passport Office (Civil Registration, BVI Government); Royal Virgin Islands Police Force
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
If you are connecting through a third country on this routing, that country's rules apply to the transit as well, and should be checked separately.
What does British Virgin Islands require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in the British Virgin Islands due to religious or legal reasons. If you are dealing with ashes from a previous cremation held elsewhere, the export rules may differ. Contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
What affects the cost?
Carrying ashes home yourself is the least expensive way to bring someone back from the British Virgin Islands, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 British Virgin Islands 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 the British Virgin Islands
Official support
British Embassy in the British Virgin Islands: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Civil Registry and Passport Office (Civil Registration, BVI Government); Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for the British Virgin Islands
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 the British Virgin Islands
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from the British Virgin Islands
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.