Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Greece
Death certificate (Greek, with certified translation); Cremation certificate This page covers what Greece requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance.
3-10 days to arrange
What does Greece require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate (Greek, with certified translation); Cremation certificate
Carrying ashes out: Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance.
Where cremation happens: Cremation was only recently legalised in Greece. Athens has a crematorium. Availability on islands is extremely limited or non-existent. The body may need to be transported to Athens for cremation.
Traditionally burial was near-universal due to Orthodox Church teaching. Cremation has only recently been legalised and facilities are very limited (Athens has a crematorium). The vast majority of Greeks still choose burial.
Most airlines allow ashes in carry-on with documentation. Check specific airline policy. Limited budget airline policies may vary.
Documentation language: Greek
Authority that must release the case: Court-appointed doctors or forensic pathologists
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 (Greek, with certified translation)
- Cremation certificate
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance.
What does Greece require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Greece. 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 Greece, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Greece 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 Greece
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Greece: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Greece: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Court-appointed doctors or forensic pathologists and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Greece
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Greece
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.