Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in the Solomon Islands and bringing ashes home

Cremation is not available in Solomon Islands. Full body repatriation is required. This page sets out what Solomon Islands requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for the Solomon Islands

Cremation in the Solomon Islands

Can you cremate someone in the Solomon Islands?

Cremation is not available in Solomon Islands. Full body repatriation is required.

Religious context: Predominantly Christian. Anglican, Roman Catholic, South Seas Evangelical Church, and United Church are major denominations.

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

Who must release the body

Solomon Islands Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages; Royal Solomon Islands Police Force

Documentation language

English (official), Pijin, 70+ indigenous languages

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of the Solomon Islands: Solomon Airlines and Fiji Airways serve Honiara (HIR) via Brisbane, Port Moresby, and Nadi. All UK repatriation routes via Brisbane or Port Moresby.

Departure airports: HIR (Honiara International Airport, Guadalcanal)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from the Solomon Islands

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Solomon Islands Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages; Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in English (official), Pijin, 70+ indigenous languages
Routing home. Solomon Airlines and Fiji Airways serve Honiara (HIR) via Brisbane, Port Moresby, and Nadi. All UK repatriation routes via Brisbane or Port Moresby.
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 Solomon Islands guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for the Solomon Islands

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in the Solomon Islands

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

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the Solomon Islands

Talk to us about cremation in the Solomon Islands

We deal with Solomon Islands Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages; Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.