Cremation and ashes transport
Cremation in the United States and bringing ashes home
Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally. This page sets out what United States requires, and what to check before you decide.
Where
Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.
Cremation available
Yes, legally available
Important: read this before making any decisions
If home is the UK, do not cremate abroad if a UK coroner may need to hold an inquest. Cremation destroys evidence.
If there is any possibility a UK coroner may be involved, speak to us first. Do not instruct a funeral director to proceed with cremation until you have confirmed the position with the coroner's office.
Cremation in the United States
Can you cremate someone in the United States?
Cremation has grown rapidly in the US and now exceeds 60% nationally (as of 2023-2024 data). Traditional burial with embalming and viewing remains common, particularly in southern and midwestern states.
Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.
Religious context: Christianity (Protestant and Catholic are largest denominations. Significant diversity: Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, secular/none).
Local funeral timing: Funerals typically 3-7 days after death in the USA. This is similar to UK timing. Viewing/visitation is a common pre-funeral event.
How the body is handled locally: Professional handling. The US funeral industry is the most developed and commercially sophisticated in the world. Embalming is standard practice (more so than almost any other country).
Open-casket viewing/visitation is a common tradition (more so than in the UK); Embalming is near-universal in the US funeral industry; Funeral homes (parlors) are the standard venue for services; Military honours available for veterans; Celebration of life events are increasingly popular alongside or instead of traditional funerals; The US 'funeral industry' is highly commercialised. Families should be aware of potential upselling.
Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.
Who must release the body
Medical examiner (qualified pathologist) or county coroner (may be elected, not necessarily a doctor). System varies by state and county.
Autopsy ordered by medical examiner or coroner if cause of death is unknown, suspicious, or involves violence. System varies by state (some states use medical examiners, others use elected coroners).
Documentation language
English (de facto national language). Spanish widely spoken in Florida, Texas, California, New York, and southwestern states.
Documents you will need
What documents do you need to bring ashes from the United States to the UK?
You will need these documents in order when carrying ashes through airport security and UK customs.
US death certificate (certified copy)
Cremation certificate
Non-metallic container recommended (must pass through X-ray at TSA security)
Airline guidance
Can you carry ashes on the flight home?
Yes, TSA allows ashes in carry-on luggage. Container must be X-ray scannable (non-metallic or openable). TSA will NOT open a container for inspection, so if it cannot be X-rayed, it will not be permitted. Notify airline in advance.
Most US and international airlines allow ashes in carry-on with documentation. Check specific airline policy.
What United States requires: US death certificate (certified copy); Cremation certificate; Non-metallic container recommended (must pass through X-ray at TSA security)
What affects the cost from the United States
We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For United States the things that move it are:
- Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium. Widely available across the entire USA. Cremation rate exceeds 60% nationally.
- Whether Medical examiner (qualified pathologist) or county coroner (may be elected, not necessarily a doctor). System varies by state and county. has to release the case first
- Translation, since documentation is in English (de facto national language). Spanish widely spoken in Florida, Texas, California, New York, and southwestern states.
- Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped
Contact us with the details and we will give you a figure for your case. Source: TSA regulations; airline policies; FCDO guidance
Considering full repatriation instead?
Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full United States guide sets out that process.
Full repatriation guide for the United StatesSources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the United States
Talk to us about cremation in the United States
We deal with Medical examiner (qualified pathologist) or county coroner (may be elected, not necessarily a doctor). System varies by state and county. and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will respond within one hour.