Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Papua New Guinea

Cremation in Papua New Guinea

Can you cremate someone in Papua New Guinea?

Cremation arrangements in Papua New Guinea 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

Port Moresby General Hospital (main forensic facility; limited capacity); regional hospitals in Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang

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: POM (Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby); LAE (Nadzab Airport, Lae)

Carriers serving the UK: Qantas (POM-BNE-LHR connections); Air Niugini (domestic and regional); PNG Air (domestic)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Papua New Guinea

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Port Moresby General Hospital (main forensic facility; limited capacity); regional hospitals in Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang 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 Papua New Guinea guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Papua New Guinea

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Papua New Guinea

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Papua New Guinea.

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Papua New Guinea

Talk to us about cremation in Papua New Guinea

We deal with Port Moresby General Hospital (main forensic facility; limited capacity); regional hospitals in Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.