Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Vietnam
You have ashes in Vietnam and need to bring them home. This page covers what Vietnam requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What does Vietnam require before ashes can leave?
Both practised. Burial traditional in rural areas. Cremation growing in cities.
Documentation language: Vietnamese
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 Vietnam require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in Vietnam. 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 Vietnam, 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 We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Vietnam: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Vietnam: 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
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Vietnam
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from Vietnam
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.