Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Micronesia and bringing ashes home

No cremation facilities in FSM. Full body repatriation is required. This page sets out what Micronesia requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Micronesia

Cremation in Micronesia

Can you cremate someone in Micronesia?

No cremation facilities in FSM. Full body repatriation is required.

Religious context: Predominantly Christian. Catholic and Protestant denominations.

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

Who must release the body

Department of Health (state vital statistics offices for each FSM state), Police Department

Documentation language

English

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of Micronesia: Via Guam (United Airlines Micronesia Island Hopper), then onward to Manila or Tokyo for UK connections. Island hopper routing only.

Departure airports: PNI (Pohnpei International), TKK (Chuuk International), KSA (Kosrae), YAP (Yap International)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Micronesia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Department of Health (state vital statistics offices for each FSM state), Police Department has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in English
Routing home. Via Guam (United Airlines Micronesia Island Hopper), then onward to Manila or Tokyo for UK connections. Island hopper routing only.
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 Micronesia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Micronesia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Micronesia

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Micronesia

We deal with Department of Health (state vital statistics offices for each FSM state), Police Department and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.