Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for the Maldives

Important: read this before making any decisions

Cremation is not available in the Maldives. The Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation and cremation is forbidden under Islamic law. All deceased must be repatriated as full remains or buried locally according to Islamic rites. There are no exceptions to this rule. Families must plan for full-body repatriation from the outset.

If there is any possibility a UK coroner may be involved, speak to us first. Do not instruct a funeral director to proceed with cremation until you have confirmed the position with the coroner's office.

Cremation in the Maldives

Can you cremate someone in the Maldives?

Full-body repatriation is the only option from the Maldives for non-Muslim families wishing to bring their loved one home. This significantly increases cost and complexity compared to destinations where cremation is available.

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

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from the Maldives

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether an investigation must conclude before release
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 Maldives guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for the Maldives

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in the Maldives

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

Official lists for the Maldives

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 the Maldives

Talk to us about cremation in the Maldives

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.