Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in the US Virgin Islands and bringing ashes home

Cremation available on St Thomas and St Croix. This page sets out what US Virgin Islands requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for the US Virgin Islands

Cremation in the US Virgin Islands

Can you cremate someone in the US Virgin Islands?

Cremation available on St Thomas and St Croix.

Religious context: Predominantly Christian (Protestant, Catholic). Full range of services available on St Thomas and St Croix.

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

Who must release the body

US Virgin Islands Medical Examiner; USVI Vital Statistics Bureau; US federal and USVI territorial law applies

Documentation language

English

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Routing out of the US Virgin Islands: No direct UK flights. Routing via Miami (MIA) or San Juan Puerto Rico (SJU) then UK connections. American Airlines and United operate the main connections. US federal documentation requirements apply.

Departure airports: Cyril E. King Airport, St Thomas (STT); Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St Croix (STX)

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from the US Virgin Islands

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether US Virgin Islands Medical Examiner; USVI Vital Statistics Bureau; US federal and USVI territorial law applies has to release the case first
Translation, since documentation is in English
Routing home. No direct UK flights. Routing via Miami (MIA) or San Juan Puerto Rico (SJU) then UK connections. American Airlines and United operate the main connections. US federal documentation requirements apply.
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 US Virgin Islands guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for the US Virgin Islands

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in the US Virgin Islands

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

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

Talk to us about cremation in the US Virgin Islands

We deal with US Virgin Islands Medical Examiner; USVI Vital Statistics Bureau; US federal and USVI territorial law applies and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.