Cremation and ashes transport
Cremation in and bringing ashes home
Cremation available on Saipan. This page sets out what requires, and what to check before you decide.
Cremation in
What applies in
Cremation available on Saipan.
Religious context: Predominantly Catholic (Chamorro and Carolinian traditional faith). Also non-denominational Protestant communities.
Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.
Who must release the body
CNMI Medical Examiner; CNMI Vital Statistics; US federal and CNMI commonwealth law applies
Documentation language
English; Chamorro; Carolinian
Airline guidance
Carrying ashes on the flight home
Routing out of : No direct UK flights. Routing via Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Guam (GUM) then onward to UK. Limited international service, Japan Airlines and United are main carriers. US federal embalming and documentation requirements apply.
Departure airports: Saipan International Airport (SPN); Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport
What affects the cost from
We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For the things that move it are:
- Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
- Whether CNMI Medical Examiner; CNMI Vital Statistics; US federal and CNMI commonwealth law applies has to release the case first
- Translation, since documentation is in English; Chamorro; Carolinian
- Routing home. No direct UK flights. Routing via Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Guam (GUM) then onward to UK. Limited international service, Japan Airlines and United are main carriers. US federal embalming and documentation requirements apply.
- Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped
Contact us with the details and we will give you a figure for your case. Source: FCDO guidance and funeral industry data
Considering full repatriation instead?
Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full guide sets out that process.
Full repatriation guide forTalk to us about cremation in
We deal with CNMI Medical Examiner; CNMI Vital Statistics; US federal and CNMI commonwealth law applies and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.