Repatriation Overseas & Interstate

Whether a death has occurred overseas or within Australia, Sylvan Funerals staff are able to assist in transporting your loved one’s body to where the funeral service is being held. With experienced staff who look after every single step along the way so you don’t have too. Some of the key elements we will manage for you as part of our service includes:

  • Full Repatriation services to and from Australia
  • Liaison with overseas Consulates and Embassies and guidance through appropriate documentation
  • Organisation of flight bookings
  • Transportation of the deceased to the airport
  • Completion of documentation for Customs clearance
  • Appropriate mortuary preparation and/or embalming
  • Liaison with the interstate or international funeral director

There are many requirements involved in preparation of the deceased for International travel. Domestic Travel via air is subject to airline procedures.

International travel requires the following preparations:

  • Embalming – Embalming is a legal requirement if the deceased is to be transported by air
  • Certificate of Non-communicable Disease from Queensland Health or Attending GP
  • Original Copy of a Queensland Death Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Metal Liner or Bio Seal for the coffin (where necessary)
  • Cardboard or Wooden Crate for coffin protection
  • Hermetic sealing of the coffin
  • An Itinerary of the Airline and Freight Company or more commonly referred to as an Airway Bill.
  • The original passport of the deceased
  • Contact details for the Funeral Director receiving the deceased upon arrival

To speak to a consultant about organising a repatriation, please phone (07) 3812 4000, 24 hours a day.

Places we have repatriated too:

  • Anywhere within Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Europe including Italy, Greece, Poland, Romania and more.
  • Russia, Serbia, Croatia
  • Middle East including Iran, Afghanistan and more.
  • Africa’s including Ghana, Nigeria etc.
  • Samoa
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Vietnam
  • Sri Lanka & India
  • And many other countries. 

The number of variables involved in repatriation makes this a difficult question to answer, however interstate transfer can be as little as a few hundred dollars depending on the distance being travelled and whether it will be via road or plane.

For Overseas Repatriation, the variables increase due to flights and choice of airlines. While our staff work with international carriers to find the most cost effective options, our experience shows that families should budget from $8,000-14,000. This large range is due to the fact each country has different requirements, and airline accessibility.

Flying internationally with a loved one’s ashes involves a few steps – but it’s entirely possible. The key is preparation, especially when it comes to documentation and knowing your destination’s rules.

What You’ll Need

  • A sealed, labelled urn (non-metal if possible)
  • Cremation Certificate and Death Certificate
  • Customs or import approval from the destination country (this varies country to country)

Check Destination Rules First

Different countries have very different requirements for bringing in cremated remains. Some need:

  • Advance permission or consular clearance
  • Special customs forms
  • Translation of documents

Examples:

  • India, UAE, and China are known for stricter entry rules
  • New Zealand, UK, and USA are more straightforward but still require the right documentation

Airline Requirements

Always contact your airline before flying. Some airlines:

  • Have their own forms or policies
  • Only allow ashes as carry-on
  • May ask for documentation in advance

Also: metal urns can cause delays during x-ray screening—so opt for TSA/X-ray friendly containers if possible.

Pro-Tips

  • Keep all documents on hand, not in checked luggage
  • Label the urn clearly
  • Declare the ashes at customs if required
  • Speak to the funeral director or crematorium – they may be able to help with destination-specific paperwork

Flying overseas with ashes with the right preparation, it can be done respectfully and legally. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to organise documents and check airline or embassy requirements.

If you’re planning to fly with a loved one’s ashes within Australia, the good news is: you absolutely can. But there are a few things you’ll want to be prepared for to make the process smooth, respectful, and stress-free.

What You’ll Need

Most major airlines in Australia (Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Rex, etc.) allow cremated remains onboard – but they expect them to be:

  • In a sealed, leak-proof container (ideally non-metal)
  • Clearly labelled as “Human Remains” or “Cremated Remains”
  • Accompanied by a copy of the Death Certificate and/or Cremation Certificate

Hand Luggage Or Checked?

Airlines recommend carrying ashes in your carry-on luggage. You’ll have better control over handling and reduce the risk of loss or damage. But if you need to check them in:

  • Use a well-padded, secure container
  • Notify the airline ahead of time so they can guide you

Pro-Tips

  • Tell security staff discreetly before screening
  • Avoid metal urns, as they may cause delays in security due to x-ray interference
  • Ask your funeral director for help—they often have travel-friendly urn options

Travelling with ashes inside Australia isn’t as daunting as it sounds—as long as you’re prepared. Airlines and airport staff will usually treat the situation with respect if you give them the right information upfront.

Need a travel-friendly urn or support with the paperwork? We’re here to help.

Please feel free to call us and speak with one of our friendly funeral consultants for further information on any of our services or to request a free no obligation package or quote