Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in the Central African Republic and bringing ashes home

Cremation not available in CAR. This page sets out what Central African Republic requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for the Central African Republic

Cremation in the Central African Republic

Can you cremate someone in the Central African Republic?

Cremation not available in CAR.

Religious context: Mixed Christian, Muslim, and animist.

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

Who must release the body

Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA), Ministry of Health, civil registrar

Documentation language

French; Sango

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of the Central African Republic: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD); Air France via Paris CDG (BGF service); Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines most reliable UK cargo route.

Departure airports: Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from the Central African Republic

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA), Ministry of Health, civil registrar has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in French; Sango
Routing home. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD); Air France via Paris CDG (BGF service); Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines most reliable UK cargo route.
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 Central African Republic guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for the Central African Republic

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in the Central African Republic

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in the Central African Republic.

Official lists for the Central African Republic

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

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the Central African Republic

Talk to us about cremation in the Central African Republic

We deal with Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA), Ministry of Health, civil registrar and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.