Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Botswana

Cremation in Botswana

Can you cremate someone in Botswana?

Cremation arrangements in Botswana 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

Can you carry 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

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Botswana

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Botswana 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

Considering full repatriation instead?

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

Full repatriation guide for Botswana

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Botswana

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Botswana

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.