Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Albania and bringing ashes home

For some families, arranging cremation locally and carrying ashes home is the right choice, and it can be quicker than full repatriation. This page sets out what Albania requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Albania

Cremation in Albania

Can you cremate someone in Albania?

Cremation arrangements in Albania depend on local facilities and on whether an investigation is open. Contact us and we will confirm the current position before you make any decision.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Who must release the body

RGJC (National Civil Registry) local office; Ministry of Interior or local prefecture; Institute of Forensic Medicine (Institut i Mjekesise Ligjore), Tirana; Prosecutor's Office (Prokuroria)

Treaty position

Signatory to the Council of Europe Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses (Strasbourg, 1973)

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Departure airports: TIA (Tirana International Nene Tereza)

Carriers serving the UK: Air Albania; Ryanair; Wizz Air; British Airways (via connections)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Albania

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Albania the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether RGJC (National Civil Registry) local office; Ministry of Interior or local prefecture; Institute of Forensic Medicine (Institut i Mjekesise Ligjore), Tirana; Prosecutor's Office (Prokuroria) has to release the case first
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Albania guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Albania

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Albania

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Albania.

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Albania

Talk to us about cremation in Albania

We deal with RGJC (National Civil Registry) local office; Ministry of Interior or local prefecture; Institute of Forensic Medicine (Institut i Mjekesise Ligjore), Tirana; Prosecutor's Office (Prokuroria) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.