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.

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We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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 for

Talk 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.

No obligation. Your details are kept strictly confidential.

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