Varcoe Thomas Funeral Home of Doylestown, Inc.

Many times, I receive calls from families that wish to travel abroad with their loved ones’ cremated remains just a few days prior to a trip, but a few days may not be enough time. 

Every country has their own requirements to travel with cremated remains. Some countries are very strict and remains must be transferred between funeral homes only, then the family may pick up the cremains at the funeral home. That said, there are other methods of transfer depending on the destination. 

Before any transfer can occur, certain documents are necessary, usually a passport or cancelled passport that was issued to the deceased, a certified death certificate, a letter of non-contagious disease, a certificate of cremation issued from the crematory and a letter from funeral home stating only cremated human remains are located within the urn or container. 

Also, the container must be sealed or placed within a non-metal container (usually wood or vinyl). Consular offices which help with this documentation are usually located in New York City. Though it may take only a few days, it could take several weeks to receive the proper clearances and authorizations. 

Cremated remains may also be sent via US Postal Service to a foreign country, Priority Mail Express International. The required documents will still be required with permission from a consular office and a customs declaration form from the USPS. With all of these diverse regulations, please research what official documentation or clearances are required before making flight reservations and travelling with cremated remains to a foreign country. 

For more helpful information, visit varcoethomasfuneralhome.com.