Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Papua New Guinea
You have ashes in Papua New Guinea and need to bring them home. This page covers what Papua New Guinea requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What does Papua New Guinea require before ashes can leave?
Departure airports: POM (Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby); LAE (Nadzab Airport, Lae)
Carriers serving the UK: Qantas (POM-BNE-LHR connections); Air Niugini (domestic and regional); PNG Air (domestic)
Authority that must release the case: Port Moresby General Hospital (main forensic facility; limited capacity); regional hospitals in Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang
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 Papua New Guinea require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Papua New Guinea 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.
What else is worth knowing about Papua New Guinea?
PNG is a Commonwealth country; English is the language of government documentation alongside Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu; English documentation simplifies the process but the administrative system is under-resourced; The PNG Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, Hela provinces, are accessible mainly by small aircraft; deaths there require charter aircraft evacuation to Port Moresby or Lae; this phase can take 3 to 7 days; Security is a significant issue in Port Moresby and Lae; the FCDO rates the overall crime threat as high; deaths in criminal incidents involve the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, which has limited forensic resources; PNG has over 800 languages and complex tribal and customary law structures; deaths involving any perceived element of sorcery accusation or tribal conflict can become entangled in community processes that significantly delay formal investigation; the British High Commission must be involved immediately in any such case; The Kokoda Track in the Owen Stanley Range attracts British trekkers; deaths on or near the Track require helicopter or small aircraft evacuation to Port Moresby; medical facilities along the Track are minimal
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Full repatriation guide
Complete guide: repatriation from Papua New Guinea
Official support
British Embassy in Papua New Guinea: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Port Moresby General Hospital (main forensic facility; limited capacity); regional hospitals in Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Papua New Guinea
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Papua New Guinea
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.