Cremation and ashes transport
Cremation in 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 requires, and what to check before you decide.
Cremation in
What applies in
Cremation arrangements in 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
Department of Forensic Pathology, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone
Treaty position
Not a signatory to the Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses
Airline guidance
Carrying ashes on the flight home
Departure airports: GBE (Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone); MUB (Maun Airport, Okavango Delta gateway)
Carriers serving the UK: South African Airways (via Johannesburg to London Heathrow); British Airways (via Johannesburg); Air Botswana
What affects the cost from
We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For the things that move it are:
- Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
- Whether Department of Forensic Pathology, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone has to release the case first
- Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped
Contact us with the details and we will give you a figure for your case. Source: FCDO guidance and funeral industry data
Considering full repatriation instead?
Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full guide sets out that process.
Full repatriation guide forTalk to us about cremation in
We deal with Department of Forensic Pathology, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.