Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Hong Kong

Cremation in Hong Kong

Can you cremate someone in Hong Kong?

Cremation arrangements in Hong Kong 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

Births Deaths and Marriages Registry (BDMR); Department of Health under Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132); Government Forensic Pathologist (under Coroner's Court jurisdiction); Coroner's Court (Coroner's Office)

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: HKG (Hong Kong International Airport)

Carriers serving the UK: Cathay Pacific; British Airways; Virgin Atlantic

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Hong Kong

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Births Deaths and Marriages Registry (BDMR); Department of Health under Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132); Government Forensic Pathologist (under Coroner's Court jurisdiction); Coroner's Court (Coroner's Office) 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 Hong Kong guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Hong Kong

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Hong Kong

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

Official lists for Hong Kong

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 Hong Kong

Talk to us about cremation in Hong Kong

We deal with Births Deaths and Marriages Registry (BDMR); Department of Health under Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132); Government Forensic Pathologist (under Coroner's Court jurisdiction); Coroner's Court (Coroner's Office) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.