Can You Scatter a Loved One's Ashes Abroad?

So, you’re deciding where is the best place to scatter your loved one’s ashes. Or maybe you’re pre-planning for your funeral and would like to have your ashes scattered. It’s a nice sentiment to scatter someone’s ashes in a place that made them happy during their life. Perhaps a place they enjoyed visiting on vacation or somewhere they used to live.

But what if this place isn’t in the US? Can you travel with and then scatter ashes abroad, and how do you go about doing this? Read on to find out more.

Finding out if you can scatter the ashes

Your first step should be to research the country you want to scatter the ashes in. Do they allow it and what are their guidelines? There are some countries where you are simply not allowed to scatter ashes, even if you are a resident. Germany, for example, has very strict laws on this.

Other countries may have limitations, like certain protected areas where you’re not allowed to scatter ashes. If you want to scatter ashes in a specific location, like a national park or in a sea or river, then be sure to check the country’s guidelines on doing this.

It is also advisable to contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to so that you can understand their guidelines about bring ashes into the country and any documentation you need to do this.

Traveling with ashes

A person’s ashes aren’t just something you can take in your carry-on with no further questions. The process and guidelines will vary slightly depending on the airline your flying with and the destination you’re traveling to. So, it’s important to first contact the airline to confirm their regulations and then arrive early on the day of travel in case additional time is needed to get the ashes through customs.

Most airlines will allow you to carry the ashes in your carry-on as long as they are x-rayed first to ensure they contain no contraband. For this reason, it is important to transport the ashes in a non-metallic container. You should also ensure that the container is air-tight so that it can be transported safely. It may be worth placing the ashes in a sealed plastic bag inside the container you are carrying them in.

You will need to be able to provide proof of what you’re carrying. To do this, you should travel with the following documents (if possible):

Death certificate

Certificate of cremation

A document proving your relationship to the deceased

Confirmation from the funeral director

If you have specific requests about where you’d like your ashes scattered after you pass, then make sure you have pre-arrangements in place early. Contact Hayworth Miller for funeral and cremation services in Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, Advance and Rural Hall.