What Paperwork Do I Need to Take Ashes to India?

How to Take Cremated Remains to India: Necessary Paperwork

Transporting the ashes of a loved one to India for a final resting place is a deeply personal and significant task. Ensuring that you have the proper documentation and understanding the requirements can help ease this process. This guide will walk you through the necessary paperwork and steps needed to take ashes to India, ensuring a respectful and compliant journey.

Permit to Carry Mortal Remains / Ashes 

Attestation of Death Document/Carrying of Ashes 

Do You Need Permission to Take Ashes on a Plane?

Yes, you do need permission to take ashes on a plane. Most airlines and countries have specific regulations and documentation requirements for transporting cremated remains. It is essential to check with both the airline and the relevant embassy to ensure you have all the necessary permissions.

What Do I Need for Flying with Cremated Remains?

When flying with cremated remains, you will need:

• Death Certificate: The original and a copy.
• Cremation Certificate: Issued by the crematorium.
• Passport of the Deceased: The original and a copy.
• ID and Address Proof: For the person carrying the ashes.
• Cremation Permit: A certified document accompanying the cremated remains.

What is a TSA Approved Urn?

A TSA-approved urn is made of a material that allows security officers to see the contents clearly during an X-ray screening. Acceptable materials typically include lightweight wood, plastic, or non-metallic substances. The urn must also be securely sealed and appropriately labeled.

How Do You Carry Ashes on a Plane from USA to India?

To carry ashes on a plane from the USA to India, you need the following documents:

• Copy of Passport, Visa, ID, and Address Proof: For the applicant.
• Death Certificate: Original and a copy.
• Cremation Certificate: Original and a copy.
• Passport of the Deceased: Original and a photocopy.

You can transport cremated remains either as carry-on or checked baggage. Ensure the urn is X-rayable and carry a certified copy of the death certificate as an extra precaution.

Check with the Embassy

Given the variations in international travel requirements, it is crucial to check with the embassy of the destination country. They will provide specific guidelines and additional documentation that may be required.

Transportation of Ashes to India (Documentation to be Submitted at the Consulate)

Requirements:

• Registration of Death with the Consulate Form: For Indian nationals.
• Death Certificate: Issued by the Ministry of Government services, original and a copy.
• Cremation Certificate: Original and a copy.
• Certificate of Packing: Including name, age, date, time, and cause of death, and contents of the package.
• Original Passport of the Deceased: And its photocopy.
• Details of the Person Transporting the Ashes: Name, address, and passport particulars, along with a photocopy of the passport.
• Original and a copy of a letter from the doctor or county confirming the deceased did not have a communicable disease.

Note: Registration of death is mandatory for Indian nationals and must be done by the Consulate.

By following these guidelines and ensuring you have all the required documentation, you can respectfully and smoothly transport the ashes of your loved one to India.