How To Take Ashes From The UK to India?

There are so many things you need to take care of when a loved one passes away, and you decide to have their ashes cremated. One issue that you may not even have considered that can be frustrating, intimidating, and more than a little stressful is transporting the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one abroad.

Given the number of Indian ex-pats who live in the UK or those who have strong connections to the country, many people are interested in taking the cremated ashes of their loved ones to India. Can this be done legally and safely? In the following post, to help you make sense of an often confusing subject, we will answer that question and provide the critical information you need to ensure you do it legally, correctly and safely.

Can Cremated Ashes Be Taken From the UK to India?

The bottom line is that, yes, the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one can be taken with you from the United Kingdom to India. It is essential to be aware of the different options open to you, including:

• Cremated ashes of a deceased loved one can be taken to India in a carry-on or hold luggage on many major and smaller airlines.
• Cremated ashes of a deceased loved one can be transported from most airports in the UK to international airports in India for collection by someone in the country.
• Cremated ashes of a deceased loved one can be transported directly from the UK by a funeral director to an address in India.
• The most essential part of transporting the cremated ashes of a deceased loved one to India is the ID documents and paperwork involved. Along with ID for the deceased and the sender, you need to fill out an application form and obtain what is known as a No Objection Letter and Certificate from the consulate in India.
• This can be done using a provider known as VFS Global, which will process the paperwork you need on behalf of the High Commission in India.
• In addition to this paperwork, if you intend on travelling to India with the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one, you will also need to apply for a Visa.

Paperwork and Documentation You Need For Transporting Cremation Ashes to India

It doesn’t matter which method you choose to use to transport the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one to India from the UK; you will need all the following paperwork and documentation to qualify for a No Objection Letter and Certificate through VFS Global:

• Original and copy of the death certificate of the deceased.
• Original and photocopy of the cremation certificate of the deceased.
• Original passport (it doesn’t matter if it is expired) for the deceased. If they hold dual nationality, then it is recommended you supply both passports if you possibly can.
• Copy of passport for the deceased.
• Funeral director declaration, customs sealing letter, and sealing certificate—These documents are issued to the funeral director or crematorium that performed the cremation of your deceased loved one. They confirm that the container holding the ashes is sealed and only has the ashes of the deceased. This document also provides details about your deceased loved one.

Once you gather all these essential documents together, you must apply for a No Objection Letter and Certificate.

As the High Commission in India issues this official document, you can only obtain it through the company VFS Global.

Follow the instructions on their website, and when you are asked, choose the UK as your location and India as the destination you want to transport the cremated ashes to

Next, you must apply for Consular Services, which involves filling out all the details, printing off the forms and scheduling an online appointment with an application centre.

You will provide all the documents you gathered for the application during your appointment.

Next, VFS Global will submit your application for a No Objection Letter and certificate to the Indian Embassy. As long as your application is accepted, within one week, they will courier all the documentation back to your return address.

The fee for this service through VFS Global is currently £40.

The No Objection Letter and Certificate application form requires the following:

• A VFS Global Death Registration Form and Miscellaneous Application Form (if your deceased loved one holds an Indian passport) will be completed and signed off by you. This can also be found on the VFS Global official website
• Two photographs in passport size – 2 x 2-inches
• If you hold an Indian passport, you must provide your original valid passport and signed copies of the first two and last two pages from inside the passport and any pages that contain observations by the passport office.
• If you hold a foreign, non-Indian passport, your original valid passport, along with signed copies of the pages in the passport that contain your details
• Proof of your current official permanent and temporary residence

When you travel to India with the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one. You need to make sure you have all the relevant documentation related to the deceased, the No Objection Letter and certificate and anything else the airline you fly with requires.

Essential Things You Need to Know and Restrictions in India

At the very least, 48 hours before you arrive in India, you must legally email the Health Officer at the destination airport, declaring the fact that you are travelling with cremated human ashes. The airline will also tell the Health Officer. The Health Officer will inspect and assess the sealing certificate and the urn or particular container holding the cremated ashes to ensure they meet the strict guidelines before they can be taken off the plane.

It is important to remember that your No Objection Letter and certificate are not a Visa. If you are a non-Indian national travelling to the country from the United Kingdom, you also need a valid and current tourist visa.

However, you should also note that this process is relatively different if you are travelling to India with cremated human ashes from another country.

The most popular and commonly used airline when flying from the United Kingdom to India is Air India. This airline requires that cremated human ashes be carried in a funeral urn. There may be other paperwork you must take or file before your flight. You should check directly with Air India before your planned trip.

All major or minor airlines have different policies, rules, regulations, and restrictions, and they reserve the right to refuse to transport you on their planes. Therefore, you must carefully check their requirements before you book your flights.

Scattering Cremated Human Ashes in India

At present, there are no rules or restrictions related to the scattering or casting of ashes anywhere in India. It is common for people to travel to the country and visit the beautiful Ganges River to scatter the ashes of their deceased loved ones. It is recommended that you check with the local authorities if there are any restrictions in place.

You should also be mindful and respectful of the religious and cultural sensitivities in the region, as many areas have specific traditions and customs you should follow when scattering the ashes of your deceased loved one.

Transporting cremated ashes from the UK to India involves several steps and essential paperwork. Yes, it is legally possible and can be done safely. Options for transport include carrying ashes in carry-on or hold luggage, or using a funeral director. The key requirement is obtaining a No Objection Letter and Certificate from the Indian consulate, facilitated by VFS Global. Necessary documents include the death certificate, cremation certificate, deceased’s passport, and funeral director's declaration. Additionally, a visa is required for non-Indian nationals. Before travelling, inform the Health Officer at the destination airport at least 48 hours in advance. Check specific airline policies and respect local customs when scattering ashes in India. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth process during this challenging time.