Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from São Tomé and Príncipe
You have ashes in São Tomé and Príncipe and need to bring them home. This page covers what São Tomé and Príncipe requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
What does São Tomé and Príncipe require before ashes can leave?
Cremation facilities are not available in São Tomé and Príncipe. Remains must be repatriated to the UK for cremation.
Routing from São Tomé and Príncipe: Repatriations route via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal operates São Tomé to Lisbon) or via Luanda (TAAG Angola Airlines). The Lisbon connection is the standard repatriation route to the UK.
Departure airports: São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Documentation language: Portuguese
Authority that must release the case: Conservatória do Registo Civil, Ministério do Interior
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 São Tomé and Príncipe require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in São Tomé and Príncipe 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 São Tomé and Príncipe, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 São Tomé and Príncipe 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 São Tomé and Príncipe
Official support
British Embassy in São Tomé and Príncipe: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Conservatória do Registo Civil, Ministério do Interior and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from São Tomé and Príncipe
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from São Tomé and Príncipe
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.