Cremation and ashes transport

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

WhatsApp us 24/7 Full repatriation guide for Ethiopia

Cremation in Ethiopia

What applies in Ethiopia

Cremation arrangements in Ethiopia 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

Addis Ababa City Administration or regional civil registry; Ministry of Health export permit; St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Addis Ababa) or Federal Police forensics; Federal Police (for criminal or unnatural deaths)

Treaty position

Not a signatory to the Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses

Airline guidance

Carrying ashes on the flight home

Departure airports: ADD (Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa)

Carriers serving the UK: Ethiopian Airlines; British Airways (via connections)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Ethiopia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Addis Ababa City Administration or regional civil registry; Ministry of Health export permit; St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Addis Ababa) or Federal Police forensics; Federal Police (for criminal or unnatural deaths) 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 Ethiopia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Ethiopia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Ethiopia

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

Talk to us about cremation in Ethiopia

We deal with Addis Ababa City Administration or regional civil registry; Ministry of Health export permit; St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Addis Ababa) or Federal Police forensics; Federal Police (for criminal or unnatural deaths) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.