Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Mexico
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; Permission from health authority This page covers what Mexico requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
3-10 days to arrange
What does Mexico require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate; Cremation certificate; Permission from health authority
Carrying ashes out: Yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
Both common. Cremation increasingly popular in cities.
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.
Documents you need
- Death certificate
- Cremation certificate
- Permission from health authority
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Yes with documentation. Check airline policy.
What does Mexico require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Mexico. 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 Mexico, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Mexico 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 Mexico
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Mexico: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Mexico: 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 Mexico
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 Mexico
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Mexico
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.