For many years, the Department of Health has provided funeral directors, on request, with letters certifying that repatriated human remains (bodies or ashes) are free from infectious disease and pose no public health risk.
A review of the airline requirements has revealed that there is no requirement for an individual repatriation certificate to be issued by the Department of Health for the transportation of cremated human remains (ashes).
A standard repatriation letter (PDF 29KB) has been developed confirming that cremated remains (ashes) do not pose an infectious disease risk. This letter should be accompanied by the following documents:
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Certified copy of the cremation certificate
- Statutory declaration that the container/urn holds only the cremated remains of the deceased.
Note: certain countries may require individual letters from the Department of Health bearing an original apostille (stamp). In this instance, the Department will prepare letters as required.
Please check with the embassy of the destination country that an original letter is not required before using the standard letter.
Contact
To request an individual letter or for more information:
Office of the Chief Health Officer
Phone: 6373 3902
Fax: 9222 2322
Email: edphwa@health.wa.gov.au