repatriation of human remains and ashes
It is possible to repatriate the deceased to the country where they wished to be buried. Due to possible public health issues, there are some international procedures on how human remains are repatriated and hence Port Health Officials are involved in this procedure.
The remains must be contained in a soldered inner coffin of lead/zinc or in repatriation foil wrapping, which is approved by the Environmental Health Directorate, which is then packed inside a wooden coffin. In case of death by infectious disease, or when the remains are in an advanced state of putrefaction, the corpse is normally placed inside a body bag. The lid of the wooden coffin is screwed to the bottom and the screws are also sealed and covered by tamper-proof sealing sticker. The latter is again packed by a canvas or tarpaulin so that the contents is not apparent.
Repatriation of human remains and ashes to or from or via Malta is carried under the supervision of Port Health Services – Health Inspectorate Services. EU Citizens and foreigners who wish to repatriate human remains should follow these guidelines.
The following documents must accompany the remains:
- Certificate of Death
- Certificate of Identity
- Certificate of Embalmment
- Burial Permit issued by the Burials Regulatory Unit / Coroner Clearance Form
- Document certifying that the human remains may be safely transported without any danger or risk to Public health. This is issued by the Health Authority concerned.
A fee of €64 is charged as per L.N. 148 of 1998 (MT) amending L.N. 118 of 1975 (MT) as amended by Act No. XIII 2015 (MT) Implementing Budget Measures.
The graph indicates the number of repatriations per year since 2023.
BURIALS AT SEA
Sometimes, people’s last wishes also involve the method of their own burial. If burial at sea is opted for, this is also done under the supervision of the Port Health Services – Health Inspectorate.
In the past years, the following amounts of burials at sea were supervised by the Inspectorate
Importation of Human Cremated Remains (Ashes)
If ashes are to be transported to Malta, Port Health Services should be contacted prior to the date of arrival so that the necessary clearance procedures may be carried out. An application for importation should be submitted by email to [email protected] together with the following documents:
- Certificate of Death;
- Certificate of Cremation; and
- Declaration confirming that the ashes have been placed in the urn.
Following review of the documentation, Port Health Services will issue a Non-Objection Letter to the applicant. The ashes should be transported to Malta together with the Non-Objection Letter and the accompanying documentation.
The ashes must be contained in a funeral urn which is adequately protected against breakage by suitable cushioning and packaging.
Once the Non-Objection Letter has been issued, applicants are advised to contact their airline directly to ensure compliance with any specific airline requirements relating to the transport of cremated remains.
In Malta, the scattering of ashes is not permitted in public urban areas, bathing areas, or harbours. Ashes may be scattered in private dwellings, provided that permission is obtained from the owner of the property, or in the open sea. Alternatively, ashes may be interred in a grave within a cemetery.
For further information, please contact Port Health Services at [email protected].
Last Updated on January 29, 2025