Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Tokelau and bringing ashes home

No cremation facility. Burial on atoll or repatriation are the only options. This page sets out what Tokelau requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Tokelau

Cremation in Tokelau

Can you cremate someone in Tokelau?

No cremation facility. Burial on atoll or repatriation are the only options.

Religious context: Predominantly Congregationalist Christian (Atafu and Fakaofo) and Roman Catholic (Nukunonu). Burial customs observed; discuss with family and local village elders.

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

Who must release the body

Tokelau National Government (Taupulega); New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; New Zealand Coroner (in practice)

Documentation language

Tokelauan; English

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of Tokelau: Tokelau has no airport. The only access is by vessel from Apia, Samoa, taking approximately 2 days. All three atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu, Fakaofo) are accessible only by sea. Repatriation requires vessel transfer to Apia, then flights Apia (APW) to Auckland (AKL) ~3h, then Auckland to LHR Qantas/Air New Zealand ~26h. Vessel frequency is approximately fortnightly. New Zealand law and consular support applies throughout.

Departure airports: No airport on any of the three atolls. Vessel from Apia, Samoa (APW): approximately 2-day sea voyage. Apia served by Samoa Airways/Air New Zealand.

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Tokelau

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Tokelau National Government (Taupulega); New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; New Zealand Coroner (in practice) has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in Tokelauan; English
Routing home. Tokelau has no airport. The only access is by vessel from Apia, Samoa, taking approximately 2 days. All three atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu, Fakaofo) are accessible only by sea. Repatriation requires vessel transfer to Apia, then flights Apia (APW) to Auckland (AKL) ~3h, then Auckland to LHR Qantas/Air New Zealand ~26h. Vessel frequency is approximately fortnightly. New Zealand law and consular support applies throughout.
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 Tokelau guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Tokelau

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Tokelau

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in Tokelau

We deal with Tokelau National Government (Taupulega); New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; New Zealand Coroner (in practice) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.