Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Holy See (Vatican City)
You have ashes in Holy See (Vatican City) and need to bring them home. This page covers what Holy See (Vatican City) requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
What does Holy See (Vatican City) require before ashes can leave?
Cremation is not performed within Vatican City. Given the Church's historical preference for burial, families should discuss options with the British Embassy and local representatives.
Routing from Holy See (Vatican City): Vatican City has no airport. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the practical gateway, approximately 30 minutes by road. Direct flights from FCO to London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted.
Departure airports: FCO (Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport)
Documentation language: Italian (working), Latin (official), various
Authority that must release the case: Governatorato dello Stato della Città del Vaticano (Governorate of Vatican City State); Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State
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 Holy See (Vatican City) require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Holy See (Vatican City) 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 Holy See (Vatican City), 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Holy See (Vatican City) 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 Holy See (Vatican City)
Official support
British Embassy in Holy See (Vatican City): contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Governatorato dello Stato della Città del Vaticano (Governorate of Vatican City State); Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Holy See (Vatican City)
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Holy See (Vatican City)
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.