Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Turkey
Cremation is technically legal in Turkey but there are effectively NO cremation facilities in the country. The overwhelming Islamic majority means cremation is culturally and religiously opposed, and no commercial crematoria exist. Families wishing to cremate must repatriate the body first and cremate in the UK. This page covers what Turkey requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What does Turkey require before ashes can leave?
Where cremation happens: Cremation is technically legal in Turkey but there are effectively NO cremation facilities in the country. The overwhelming Islamic majority means cremation is culturally and religiously opposed, and no commercial crematoria exist. Families wishing to cremate must repatriate the body first and cremate in the UK.
Burial is near-universal. Cremation is exceptionally rare and culturally/religiously opposed. Turkish law technically permits cremation but there are almost no facilities. For practical purposes, cremation is not available in Turkey.
Documentation language: Turkish
Authority that must release the case: Council of Forensic Medicine (Adli Tip Kurumu) or local forensic 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?
What does Turkey require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in Turkey 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 Turkey, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Turkey 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 Turkey
Official support
British Embassy in Turkey: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Council of Forensic Medicine (Adli Tip Kurumu) or local forensic authorities and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for Turkey
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 Turkey
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Turkey
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.