Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Georgia

Cremation in Georgia

Can you cremate someone in Georgia?

Cremation arrangements in Georgia 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

Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau, Tbilisi

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: TBS (Tbilisi International Airport); KUT (Kutaisi International Airport, Wizz Air hub)

Carriers serving the UK: Wizz Air (direct London Gatwick to Tbilisi TBS); Georgian Airways; Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Georgia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau, Tbilisi 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 Georgia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Georgia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Georgia

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Georgia

We deal with Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau, Tbilisi and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.