Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Canada
Death certificate (provincial); Cremation certificate; Export documentation This page covers what Canada requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Yes, with documentation. Air Canada and other carriers allow ashes in carry-on. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) allows ashes through screening.
Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).
3-10 days to arrange
What does Canada require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate (provincial); Cremation certificate; Export documentation
Carrying ashes out: Yes, with documentation. Air Canada and other carriers allow ashes in carry-on. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) allows ashes through screening.
Where cremation happens: Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).
Cremation is the majority choice (approximately 73% nationally, one of the highest rates in the world). Burial remains common among Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, and some immigrant communities.
Documentation language: English and French (both official). English dominant in all provinces except Quebec.
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 (provincial)
- Cremation certificate
- Export documentation
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Yes, with documentation. Air Canada and other carriers allow ashes in carry-on. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) allows ashes through screening.
What does Canada require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Canada. 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 Canada, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 | Crematoria: Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).. Distance to the nearest one changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation Canada 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 Canada
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Canada: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Canada: 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 Canada
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 Canada
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Canada
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.