Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Brazil and bringing ashes home

Burial traditional. Cremation growing but still minority (~10-15%). This page sets out what Brazil requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Brazil

Cremation in Brazil

Can you cremate someone in Brazil?

Burial traditional. Cremation growing but still minority (~10-15%).

Cremation less common but available in major cities. Do NOT cremate if UK coroner may need to hold inquest.

Religious context: Roman Catholic (~65%), Evangelical Protestant (~25%)

Local funeral timing: Typically within 24-48 hours. Very fast by UK standards.

Velorio (wake) is standard, usually at funeral home or church; Burial within 24 hours is common in hot regions; Catholic mass standard for funerals; Black clothing expected

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

Documentation language

Portuguese

Documents you will need

What documents do you need to bring ashes from Brazil to the UK?

You will need these documents in order when carrying ashes through airport security and UK customs.

Death certificate

Cremation certificate

ANVISA authorisation

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Generally yes with documentation. Check airline policy.

What Brazil requires: Death certificate; Cremation certificate; ANVISA authorisation

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Brazil

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether an investigation must conclude before release
Translation, since documentation is in Portuguese
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 Brazil guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Brazil

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Brazil

Local emergency number Policia Militar: 190. SAMU ambulance: 192. Fire: 193.. The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Brazil.

Official lists for Brazil

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

Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

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

Talk to us about cremation in Brazil

We can advise on whether cremation abroad is the right choice for your family. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.