Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Taiwan

Cremation in Taiwan

Can you cremate someone in Taiwan?

Cremation arrangements in Taiwan 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

Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM), Ministry of Justice, Taiwan

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: TPE (Taipei Taoyuan International Airport); TSA (Taipei Songshan Airport, domestic)

Carriers serving the UK: EVA Air (direct London Heathrow to Taipei Taoyuan); China Airlines; British Airways (via connections)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Taiwan

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM), Ministry of Justice, Taiwan 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 Taiwan guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Taiwan

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Taiwan

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

Official lists for Taiwan

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

Funeral directors, for arranging local care and preparation
Translators and interpreters, for certified translation of the death certificate and permits

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

Talk to us about cremation in Taiwan

We deal with Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM), Ministry of Justice, Taiwan and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.