Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Cuba
Cuban cremation certificate; Death certificate (translated); Sanitary clearance certificate; Ashes in a sealed, clearly labelled container This page covers what Cuba requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What does Cuba require before ashes can leave?
Cuban cremation certificate; Death certificate (translated); Sanitary clearance certificate; Ashes in a sealed, clearly labelled container
No direct Cuba-UK flights. Ashes must transit via Madrid, Cancun or Toronto. Transit country rules also apply. Check with each airline.
Documentation language: Spanish
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?
What does Cuba require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Cuba 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 Cuba, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Cuba 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 Cuba
Official support
British Embassy in Cuba: 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 Cuba
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Translators and interpreters, for certified translation of the death certificate and permits
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Cuba
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Cuba
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.