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Cremation of a Foreign Citizen Deceased in Hungary

cremation of foreign nationals

Is it possible to cremate the deceased in Hungary before transporting the body abroad?


Yes, it is possible. Hungarian burial law allows for the ashes to be transported by the next of kin under certain conditions.


In which countries can I take home the urn with the ashes?


In Hungary, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands, the laws permit the ashes of the deceased to be taken home and kept there. Relatives in these countries are free to decide what happens to the urn of their deceased loved one. In Germany, however, the urn must be kept in a designated burial site, and the funeral company cannot hand over the urn to a private individual.


Can the urn be transported as hand luggage?


Most airlines permit the transportation of ashes, but it is advisable to check the specific airline's regulations in advance. Generally, the following requirements must be met:

  • The urn should be well-sealed and made of a non-breakable material.

  • Documents related to the transportation of the urn (death certificate, cremation certificate, declaration of contents) must be presented at the airport.

  • The urn can be transported as hand luggage, but this should be coordinated with the airline beforehand.


It is important to be aware of the regulations in the destination country. For example, in Germany, the transportation of ashes is subject to special conditions.

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