Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Sri Lanka
You have ashes in Sri Lanka and need to bring them home. This page covers what Sri Lanka requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Yes with documentation via Middle East hubs.
3-10 days to arrange
What does Sri Lanka require before ashes can leave?
Carrying ashes out: Yes with documentation via Middle East hubs.
Buddhist: cremation. Hindu: cremation. Muslim: burial. Christian: burial.
Documentation language: Sinhala and Tamil (official). English widely spoken in tourism sector.
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?
Hand luggage guidance
Yes with documentation via Middle East hubs.
What does Sri Lanka require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Sri Lanka. 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 Sri Lanka, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Sri Lanka: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Sri Lanka: 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 Sri Lanka
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 Sri Lanka
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Sri Lanka
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.