Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Belgium

Cremation in Belgium

Can you cremate someone in Belgium?

Cremation arrangements in Belgium 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

Institut National de Criminalistique et de Criminologie (INCC) / University Hospital Forensic Departments

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: BRU (Brussels Airport Zaventem); CRL (Brussels South Charleroi Airport); LGG (Liege Airport)

Carriers serving the UK: Brussels Airlines; British Airways; Ryanair; easyJet

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Belgium

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Institut National de Criminalistique et de Criminologie (INCC) / University Hospital Forensic Departments 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 Belgium guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Belgium

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Belgium

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

Official lists for Belgium

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Funeral directors, for arranging local care and preparation
Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

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

Talk to us about cremation in Belgium

We deal with Institut National de Criminalistique et de Criminologie (INCC) / University Hospital Forensic Departments and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.