Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from the United States
US death certificate (certified copy); Cremation certificate; Non-metallic container recommended (must pass through X-ray at TSA security) This page covers what United States requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Yes, TSA allows ashes in carry-on luggage. Container must be X-ray scannable (non-metallic or openable). TSA will NOT open a container for inspection, so if it cannot be X-rayed, it will not be permitted. Notify airline in advance.
Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.
3-10 days to arrange
What does United States require before ashes can leave?
US death certificate (certified copy); Cremation certificate; Non-metallic container recommended (must pass through X-ray at TSA security)
Carrying ashes out: Yes, TSA allows ashes in carry-on luggage. Container must be X-ray scannable (non-metallic or openable). TSA will NOT open a container for inspection, so if it cannot be X-rayed, it will not be permitted. Notify airline in advance.
Where cremation happens: Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.
Cremation has grown rapidly in the US and now exceeds 60% nationally (as of 2023-2024 data). Traditional burial with embalming and viewing remains common, particularly in southern and midwestern states.
Most US and international airlines allow ashes in carry-on with documentation. Check specific airline policy.
Documentation language: English (de facto national language). Spanish widely spoken in Florida, Texas, California, New York, and southwestern states.
Authority that must release the case: Medical examiner (qualified pathologist) or county coroner (may be elected, not necessarily a doctor). System varies by state and county.
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
Documents you need
- US death certificate (certified copy)
- Cremation certificate
- Non-metallic container recommended (must pass through X-ray at TSA security)
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Yes, TSA allows ashes in carry-on luggage. Container must be X-ray scannable (non-metallic or openable). TSA will NOT open a container for inspection, so if it cannot be X-rayed, it will not be permitted. Notify airline in advance.
What does United States require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in the United States. 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 the United States, 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 | Crematoria: Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.. Distance to the nearest one changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation United States 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 the United States
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in the United States: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in the United States: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Medical examiner (qualified pathologist) or county coroner (may be elected, not necessarily a doctor). System varies by state and county. and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the United States
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from the United States
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.