Caribbean - Bringing Human Ashes into the BVI

Hi All,

My MIL died a few weeks go and we have decided to scatter her ashes on my SIL's property on Virgin Gorda. My wife and I have the ashes and are planning to fly to EIS (VIJ is still closed) on 12/24.

Are there any restrictions on being able to bring her ashes into the BVI?

Would I contact the British Consulate to know for sure?

Trying to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon our arrival in EIS.

Call the BVI health dept at +1284-468-3701, ext 2174.

You will have to request permission in advance to do this, and once it's approved, they will work with customs and immigration to allow you to bring the ashes into the territory, and explain their rules. They should be able to fax you the pertinent paperwork.

IIRC, you can only spread ashes in water on the territory, but since you're talking about private property, there may be some leeway.

Best of luck, and I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

You may need permission from the Registrar's Office in Road Town. Look on this page: http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=32&iCat=12&hierarchy=0
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13F

Thank you both for the good information. Made contact with the Ministry of Health and am in the process of getting the form. As for the Registrar's office, I checked with them and a form is not required in order to import ashes, only bodies.

Thanks again!

Not a problem. Safe travels.
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13F

Thank you all again. We encountered no problems entering at EIS.