Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Pakistan
Pakistani cremation certificate (cremation is rare given predominantly Muslim population); Death certificate; District Health Authority NOC; Ashes in a sealed, clearly labelled container This page covers what Pakistan requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What does Pakistan require before ashes can leave?
Pakistani cremation certificate (cremation is rare given predominantly Muslim population); Death certificate; District Health Authority NOC; Ashes in a sealed, clearly labelled container
Cremation is uncommon in Pakistan due to Islamic practice. For non-Muslim deceased, direct London flights available with PIA and British Airways. Declare ashes at check-in.
Documentation language: Urdu, English
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 Pakistan require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Pakistan 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 Pakistan, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Pakistan 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 Pakistan
Official support
British Embassy in Pakistan: 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 Pakistan
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 Pakistan
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Pakistan
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.