Accompanied Ashes Repatriation to Malta from the UK

How do I take ashes to Malta?

We provide a fully accompanied ashes repatriation service from the UK to Malta, ensuring your loved one’s cremated remains are transported safely, directly, and with the utmost dignity. Our family team personally carries the ashes every step of the journey, from collection in the UK to secure delivery at Malta International Airport and beyond.

Key information for repatriating ashes to Malta

Repatriating ashes to Malta requires careful attention to both airline procedures and Maltese regulations. The importation of cremated human remains into Malta is overseen by the Port Health Services, Health Inspectorate Services, which operates under the Superintendent of Public Health. Below is what you need to know:

Documentation required

To bring cremated remains into Malta, the following documents are typically required:

Death certificate: An official certified original copy of the death certificate to confirm the identity and date of death of the deceased.

Cremation certificate: A document issued by the UK crematorium confirming that the deceased has been cremated and describing the contents of the urn or sealed container.

Funeral Director declaration: A signed statement from the funeral director or crematorium confirming that the urn contains only the cremated remains of the named individual and that it is securely sealed.

Public Health clearance certificate: A document certifying that the human remains may be safely transported without any danger or risk to public health. In the UK, this is issued by the relevant Health Authority, Malta's Port Health Services - Health Inspectorate Services will require this on arrival.

Translations: Maltese authorities generally accept English language documentation, however certified translations may be required in certain circumstances.

We ensure all documentation is correctly prepared, verified, and translated where necessary, and we can help with any consular or embassy requirements to ensure smooth clearance on arrival.

Customs & import requirements

Airline & airport screening: Airlines and airport security in the UK will usually require that the urn be sealed, in a scanable container, and accompanied by the documents above. Metal or stone urns cannot be screened by X-ray and will not be permitted through security.

Key points for transporting ashes into Malta:

Port Health Services oversight: Repatriation of ashes to Malta falls under the supervision of Malta's Port Health Services. All relevant documentation must be available for inspection on arrival at Malta International Airport.

Health Inspectorate Fee: A handling fee is charged by the Maltese Health authorities upon arrival, as prescribed under Maltese regulations.

Declaration at entry: Cremated remains must be declared to the relevant authorities on arrival, with supporting documents available for inspection.

Container Requirements: The urn must be securely sealed, suitable for air travel and capable of passing through airport security X-ray screening.

Burial Regulatory Unit: If the ashes are to be interred in Malta, the Maltese Burial Regulatory Unit will require the original death certificate and cremation certificate before a burial permit can be issued.

We handle customs liaison on your behalf, ensuring that your loved one’s ashes are presented correctly and cleared respectfully.

Travel & transport

Hand carried on board: Cremated remains are always hand carried on board the aircraft with us, never placed in cargo or freight or checked into the hold.

Airline approval & seating: We liaise with the airline to obtain approval for hand carried ashes and select seating to avoid storage in overhead lockers.

Private collection & delivery: We personally collect the ashes from the funeral director, crematorium, or family home in the UK and accompany them to the airport before our journey onwards to Malta.

Why choose our service

Families trust us for overseas ashes repatriation to Malta because:

We provide a fully accompanied service from start to finish.
We handle all documentation, Port Health Services requirements, and airline compliance.
You receive live updates throughout the journey.
Insurance is in place for both UK and international travel.
The same family team member you speak with will personally accompany the ashes.
We can assist with any part of the process, including documentation, customs requirements, and airline regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take ashes to Malta on a plane?

Yes. With our accompanied ashes repatriation service, your loved ones cremated remains are personally hand carried on board the aircraft, never placed in cargo or freight. We manage all airline regulations and ensure containers are fully compliant for travel to Malta.

What documents do I need to repatriate ashes to Malta?

At a minimum, the documentation required typically includes a certified death certificate, cremation certificate, a letter of declaration from the funeral director or crematorium and a public health clearance certificate. Repatriation of ashes to Malta is overseen by Malta's Port Health Services - and a health authority fee applies upon arrival. Our team will guide you through the exact requirements for your specific circumstances and carry all paperwork on your behalf.

How long does it take to arrange ashes repatriation to Malta?

Timescales vary depending on individual circumstances, flight availability and documentation requirements. We work with you on an individual basis and will do our best to accommodate urgent requests where possible.

Talk to us

If you need help to return a loved one’s ashes to the Malta, we are here. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, from documentation and Port Health Services requirements to airline compliance and secure delivery, ensuring a smooth, dignified, and stress free repatriation.

For other examples of countries we repatriate ashes to, please see our Ashes Repatriation Page.