Cremation and ashes transport

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

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Tunisia

Cremation in Tunisia

Can you cremate someone in Tunisia?

Cremation arrangements in Tunisia 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

Officier d'Etat Civil, local municipality civil registrar; Ministere de la Sante (Ministry of Health); Institut National de Medecine Legale (INML), Tunis; Parquet (Public Prosecutor's Office)

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: TUN (Tunis-Carthage International Airport); MIR (Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport); DJE (Djerba-Zarzis International Airport)

Carriers serving the UK: Tunisair; Nouvelair; TUI Airways

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Tunisia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Officier d'Etat Civil, local municipality civil registrar; Ministere de la Sante (Ministry of Health); Institut National de Medecine Legale (INML), Tunis; Parquet (Public Prosecutor's Office) 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 Tunisia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Tunisia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Tunisia

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

Official lists for Tunisia

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 Tunisia

Talk to us about cremation in Tunisia

We deal with Officier d'Etat Civil, local municipality civil registrar; Ministere de la Sante (Ministry of Health); Institut National de Medecine Legale (INML), Tunis; Parquet (Public Prosecutor's Office) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.