what you should know
Requirements and Expectations
Every country has its own requirements for repatriating cremated remains, but most commonly the process calls for a death certificate (often in long-form and sometimes requiring an apostille), a certificate of cremation, consular paperwork or permits if the destination requires them, and occasionally a letter from the funeral home. Eternal Alaska works directly with the relevant embassy or consulate to confirm exactly what is needed for each case. For example, Portugal has particularly detailed requirements, and we guide families step by step through that process.
When transporting ashes, it is also important to follow strict rules set by the TSA, airlines, and postal services. For personal escort, urns must be scannable by X-ray, which is why wood, plastic, biodegradable, or certain ceramic urns are recommended. Metal or stone containers can fail X-ray screening, and TSA will not open an urn. Families should also be prepared for re-entry or transit checks, as customs officials or local authorities may ask to see the original certificates and permits upon arrival.
This careful attention to documents, container requirements, and transport regulations ensures that repatriation is carried out respectfully, legally, and without unnecessary delays.
Pricing
Because regulations and routing differ by country, quotes are custom. Pricing depends on distance and airfare, consulate fees, apostilles/notarizations, and local handoff requirements. In most instances, repatriation can be handled for less than $5,000 US dollars. Request a quote and we’ll provide an all-in written estimate with a realistic timeline.