Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Somalia
You have ashes in Somalia and need to bring them home. This page covers what Somalia requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
What does Somalia require before ashes can leave?
Cremation not available. Contrary to Islamic law.
Routing from Somalia: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST), most reliable UK route from Mogadishu. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD). Hargeisa/Somaliland: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.
Departure airports: Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu; Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa (Somaliland); Berbera Airport (BBO), Somaliland
Documentation language: Somali; Arabic
Authority that must release the case: Somalia Police Force, Ministry of Health (FGS), civil registration authorities
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 Somalia require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Somalia 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 Somalia, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Somalia 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 Somalia
Official support
British Embassy in Somalia: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Somalia Police Force, Ministry of Health (FGS), civil registration authorities and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for Somalia
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Somalia
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Somalia
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.