Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Azerbaijan

Cremation in Azerbaijan

Can you cremate someone in Azerbaijan?

Cremation arrangements in Azerbaijan 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

Republican Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise, Baku

Treaty position

Not a signatory to the Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Departure airports: GYD (Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku)

Carriers serving the UK: Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL (direct GYD-LHR); Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul Ataturk); flydubai (via Dubai International)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Azerbaijan

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Republican Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise, Baku 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 Azerbaijan guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Azerbaijan

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Azerbaijan

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

Official lists for Azerbaijan

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Azerbaijan

We deal with Republican Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise, Baku and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.