Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in São Tomé and Príncipe and bringing ashes home

Cremation facilities are not available in São Tomé and Príncipe. Remains must be repatriated to the UK for cremation. This page sets out what São Tomé and Príncipe requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for São Tomé and Príncipe

Cremation in São Tomé and Príncipe

Can you cremate someone in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Cremation facilities are not available in São Tomé and Príncipe. Remains must be repatriated to the UK for cremation.

Religious context: Predominantly Catholic (c.85%), with Protestant and indigenous traditions. No significant Islamic burial timeline pressure.

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

Who must release the body

Conservatória do Registo Civil, Ministério do Interior

Documentation language

Portuguese

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of São Tomé and Príncipe: Repatriations route via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal operates São Tomé to Lisbon) or via Luanda (TAAG Angola Airlines). The Lisbon connection is the standard repatriation route to the UK.

Departure airports: São Tomé International Airport (TMS)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from São Tomé and Príncipe

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Conservatória do Registo Civil, Ministério do Interior has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in Portuguese
Routing home. Repatriations route via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal operates São Tomé to Lisbon) or via Luanda (TAAG Angola Airlines). The Lisbon connection is the standard repatriation route to the UK.
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 São Tomé and Príncipe guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for São Tomé and Príncipe

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in São Tomé and Príncipe

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from São Tomé and Príncipe

Talk to us about cremation in São Tomé and Príncipe

We deal with Conservatória do Registo Civil, Ministério do Interior and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.