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Travelling with & Mailing Cremated Remains
Travelling within Canada
Cremated remains in a container may be packed as part of your carry-on baggage. The container, however, must pass separately through the x-ray machine. Please see information on the special procedures in place for screening cremated remains here or contact your local funeral professional for assistance.
Before heading to the airport:
- Ask your funeral director about temporary containers for transportation purposes. These containers are more likely to pass through security.
- You can also bring your empty permanent container with you and arrange for a funeral home at your destination to transfer the container contents.
- Due to differences in thickness, shape and material, some cremation containers are more likely to pass through security screening.
Travelling Internationally
Cremation container and documentation requirements when travelling can vary, depending on your destination. If you are travelling internationally, we suggest you contact the embassy for the country of your destination before you fly to determine their specific requirements concerning the transport of cremated remains. Your local funeral services professional can also offer you invaluable assistance regarding the requirements.
Transport Canada Update - Travelling with Cremated Remains
Transport Canada has issued an Information Bulletin (IB-2025-009) reminding air carriers and screening authorities of the importance of clear, respectful, and proactive communication with passengers who are travelling with urns containing cremated remains.
This update reinforces the procedures and considerations already in place for families who carry cremated remains through airport screening checkpoints.
Official CATSA guidance is available here: Travelling with Cremated Remains – CATSA
Key Points for FSAC Members and the Families You Serve
1. Screening of Cremated Remains
Urns containing cremated remains are generally permitted at passenger screening checkpoints.
However, these items may trigger alarms during X-ray screening, especially when they contain inorganic powders or granular substances—which may result in:
- Additional screening procedures; or
- Denial of entry into the secure area if the alarm cannot be resolved.
These delays can be distressing for families; clear advanced communication helps ensure a smoother and more respectful process.
2. Volume Restriction
Items containing inorganic powders or granular substances in volumes of 350 mL or more are prohibited from being carried through passenger screening checkpoints.
This restriction does not apply to checked baggage, unless the contents pose a direct threat to aviation security.
3. Container Recommendations
To reduce the likelihood of alarms and delays, Transport Canada recommends that families use containers made of materials that are less likely to trigger alarms, such as:
- Plastic
- Cardboard
- Cloth
- Wood
- Metal or dense stone urns can prevent X-ray screening and may result in the urn being denied passage through security.
4. Alternative Transport Options
Families may also consider:
Placing the urn in checked baggage, where screening protocols differ. While it is generally permitted to place the urn in checked baggage (where screening procedures differ), families should be strongly cautioned that checked luggage can be delayed, lost, or mishandled.
Shipping the urn via cargo or within Canada, by Canada Post Priority, as an alternative means of transportation.
5. Communication and Compassion
Air carriers are encouraged to provide advance information to passengers travelling with cremated remains — through their websites, check-in counters, or pre-departure materials. Funeral professionals can support families by:
Directing them to official guidance from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA);
Advising them on appropriate container choices; and
Encouraging them to arrive early at the airport for screening.
Mailing within Canada
Losing a loved one is difficult enough, but what happens if you need to transport some (or all) of the cremated remains across the country? According to Canada Post, you may transport both human and animal cremated remains as long as they meet the documentation and packaging requirements.
- You mail them using a trackable parcel service
- The destination and return addresses are correct and complete.
- The cremated remains are packed in a sealed container and put inside a sift-proof outer container.
- If the inner container is fragile, you will have to protect it with packing material.
- The cremated remains are accompanied by a certificate of cremation issued by the appropriate authority such as the crematorium or funeral director and placed inside a plastic envelope and attached to the top of the parcel.
If you’re shipping cremated remains internationally, you’ll want to check with the International Destination Listing for more information about prohibited and restricted items within specific countries or contact the funeral professional in your community for assistance.
Scattering Cremated Remains
In Canada there are no federal laws associated with the scattering of cremated remains. Scattering is generally permitted on any Crown land and waterways and a permit may not be required. It is important to keep in mind that you can do so generally, within regulation and with permission. If you are wishing to scatter cremated remains on Crown land or municipal land, you should first consult local governments.
As an alternative option – many cemeteries offer a place within their property for scattering and are required to keep records. These records can be of great importance to future generations seeking genealogical or historical information, or simply providing a place or opportunity to pay tribute and honour the deceased. Future generations should be considered when making this important decision. Your local funeral professional can provide you with a number of resources and options if you are considering scattering.
Burials at Sea
Burial at Sea falls under the Disposal at Sea permitting provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Those looking to conduct a burial at sea will need to contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) permit officers. If ECCC permit officers determine that no marine pollution will be caused by the burial at sea, then a Letter of Advice will be issued with guidelines and advice for proceeding with the burial.
Anyone who wishes to proceed with the burial at sea of a deceased person should contact ECCC as soon as possible.
Note: Considerable time and effort will be required to allow for appropriate site selection.
See a list of Disposal at Sea regional offices here.
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