Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from India
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; No Objection Certificate from police (may still be required even for cremation) This page covers what India requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance. Non-metallic container recommended for security screening.
Widely available across India. Cremation is the default Hindu and Sikh practice. Electric crematoria exist in all major cities. Traditional open-air cremation pyres are available, particularly in Varanasi and other holy cities.
3-10 days to arrange
What does India require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; No Objection Certificate from police (may still be required even for cremation)
Carrying ashes out: Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance. Non-metallic container recommended for security screening.
Where cremation happens: Widely available across India. Cremation is the default Hindu and Sikh practice. Electric crematoria exist in all major cities. Traditional open-air cremation pyres are available, particularly in Varanasi and other holy cities.
Hindus: cremation is the fundamental practice. The body is traditionally cremated on an open pyre, ideally within 24 hours of death. Sikh: cremation. Muslim: burial, ideally within 24 hours. Christian: burial traditional, cremation accepted. Jain and Buddhist: cremation.
Most international airlines allow ashes in carry-on with documentation. Air India, BA, Emirates all accommodate this. Check current policy.
Documentation language: Hindi and English are the official languages. Each state has its own official language(s). Over 20 languages with official status. Documentation may be in the state language and/or English.
Authority that must release the case: Government hospital forensic medicine department. Post mortem is conducted by a government-appointed forensic pathologist.
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
- Cremation certificate
- No Objection Certificate from police (may still be required even for cremation)
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance. Non-metallic container recommended for security screening.
What does India require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in India. 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 India, 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 India. Cremation is the default Hindu and Sikh practice. Electric crematoria exist in all major cities. Traditional open-air cremation pyres are available, particularly in Varanasi and other holy cities.. Distance to the nearest one changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation India 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 India
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in India: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in India: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Government hospital forensic medicine department. Post mortem is conducted by a government-appointed forensic pathologist. and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for India
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 India
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from India
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.