Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Qatar

Cremation in Qatar

Can you cremate someone in Qatar?

Cremation arrangements in Qatar 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

Ministry of Interior, Civil Status Affairs Department; Ministry of Public Health; Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Forensic Medicine; Qatar Police; Ministry of Interior

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: DOH (Hamad International Airport, Doha)

Carriers serving the UK: Qatar Airways

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Qatar

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Ministry of Interior, Civil Status Affairs Department; Ministry of Public Health; Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Forensic Medicine; Qatar Police; Ministry of Interior 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 Qatar guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Qatar

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Qatar

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Qatar

We deal with Ministry of Interior, Civil Status Affairs Department; Ministry of Public Health; Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Forensic Medicine; Qatar Police; Ministry of Interior and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.