Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Saudi Arabia

Cremation in Saudi Arabia

Can you cremate someone in Saudi Arabia?

Cremation arrangements in Saudi Arabia 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

Government hospital forensic departments (King Fahd Medical City, King Faisal Specialist Hospital)

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: RUH (Riyadh King Khalid International Airport); JED (Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport); DMM (Dammam King Fahd International Airport)

Carriers serving the UK: Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines); British Airways; flydubai; Emirates (via Dubai)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Saudi Arabia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Government hospital forensic departments (King Fahd Medical City, King Faisal Specialist Hospital) 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 Saudi Arabia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Saudi Arabia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Saudi Arabia

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

Official lists for Saudi Arabia

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Saudi Arabia

Talk to us about cremation in Saudi Arabia

We deal with Government hospital forensic departments (King Fahd Medical City, King Faisal Specialist Hospital) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.