Guidance Information on the

Transport of COVID-19 Human

Remains by Air
Collaborative document by WHO,
CDC, IATA and ICAO
Introduction
Repatriation of human remains is the process whereby human remains are transported from the State where
death occurred to another State for burial at the request of the next-of-kin. Repatriating human remains is a
complicated process involving the cooperation and coordination of various stakeholders on several levels to
ensure that it is conducted efficiently and in compliance with relevant international and national regulations.

Presently there is no universal international standard for requisite processing and documentation for
repatriation of human remains by air. The Strasbourg Agreement of the Council of Europe
(https://rm.coe.int/168007617d) has been agreed to by more than 20 States in Europe. Furthermore, there is no
existing single source document that could provide harmonised guidance to States and other interested
parties.

Considering requests received by WHO, IATA and ICAO on the transport by air of human remains where the
cause of death was COVID-19, there was a need to assess the risk of transporting human remains by air and to
develop temporary COVID-19 specific guidance material.

The objective of this document is to provide guidance to aircraft operators, funeral directors and other involved
parties concerning the factors that need to be considered when planning repatriation of COVID-19 human
remains by air transport.

Guidance for handling COVID-19 cadavers

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a considerable death toll and has raised questions regarding the
repatriation of human remains where the person died of the disease overseas. Generally human remains are
not infectious and do not transmit disease. However, cadavers of persons who have died from contagious
diseases may pose risk of transmission, but at a lower level than from living individuals except for viral
hemorrhagic fever and prion diseases:

International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID):

https://isid.org/guide/infectionprevention/humancadavers/

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29019307/.

1 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
According to WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
(https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/COVID-19-safe-handling-of-bodies-or-persons-
dying-from-COVID19.pdf), there is no evidence to date of persons having become infected from exposure to
the bodies of persons who died from COVID-19 .

Transmission of COVID-19 related to the handling of infected remains could occur through direct contact with
body surfaces, tissues, fluids or their aspirates where the virus is present, or by direct contact with
contaminated surfaces, clothing or other personal effects. Best practices to avoid COVID-19 infection under
these circumstances include appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and thorough
decontamination of surfaces and materials that have been in contact with remains

Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-

postmortem-specimens.html

BMJ Journals: https://jcp.bmj.com/content/early/2020/04/01/jclinpath-2020-206522.

Key issues to be considered when managing COVID-19 human remains include:

• providing specific guidance as to appropriate PPE for funeral directors, religious leaders or others who may
have direct contact with COVID-19 human remains, especially the importance of hand hygiene and
personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling COVID-19 human remains;

• respecting the dignity of the dead and their families according to cultural and religious traditions;

• encouraging practices that balance the rights of the family, the need to investigate the cause of death, and
the risks of exposure to infection on a cases-by-case basis.

WHO has provided general guidelines for preparation and packing of human remains for non-air transfer to an
autopsy unit, mortuary, crematorium or burial site that includes, procedures for autopsy and funeral preparation
and local burial in the document Infection Prevention and Control for the safe management of a dead body in
the context of COVID-19. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331538/WHO-COVID-19-
lPC_DBMgmt-2020.1-eng.pdf.

Options for air transport

When a person has died from COVID-19 overseas, considerations for final disposition may include on-site
cremation or internment at the location of death or repatriation of human or cremated remains to the State
requested by the next-of-kin.

Many aircraft operators provide services for the transport of cremated and non-cremated human remains.
These services vary according to the policies of each aircraft operator. In general, there are three possible
options for the transportation of human remains by air:

1. cremated remains contained in a funeral urn, which is often the least complicated option. However, this is
dependent on the personal, cultural and religious beliefs of the bereaved as well as national laws in the
State of death;

2. embalmed human remains enclosed in a sealed coffin. This option may be challenging since States may
have opposing laws about embalming. For instance, legislation in the departure country may not allow
embalming, while the destination country may require embalming for repatriation of the remains. In
addition, some aircraft operators will only accept embalmed human remains. It should be noted that at the
time of issue of this guidance, WHO does not recommend the practice of embalming for COVID-19 remains
to avoid excessive manipulation of the body;

2 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
3. human remains that have not been embalmed in an enclosed, sealed coffin. Specific requirements for this
type of transport may vary by country, and States of departure or repatriation may not allow the export or
import, as applicable, of non-embalmed remains.

Different States might have different requirements. It is therefore important to consider several factors prior to
deciding on the appropriate process for air transport. These factors include being aware of the applicable
regulations and / or rules of the departure and destination States, including relevant documentation required as
well as the requirements of the airline.

Requirements of departure, transit and arrival States

All parties, including aircraft operators are required to comply with State laws regarding human remains of
departure, transit and arrival States. These national laws will ultimately determine the limitations, if any,
associated with the handling, disposition, and repatriation of human remains. This information can be found on
government or embassy websites or by contacting them directly. Appendix 1 sets out a list of States where
there are specific requirements for the importation of human remains. This list is taken from The Air Cargo
Tariff (TACT) Rules. For more information see: https://www.iata.org/tact or https://www.tact-online.org.

Formal identification of the deceased’s remains is obligatory. The requirements for confirming the identity of a
deceased person vary depending on the country or jurisdiction involved.

In addition, the completion of required documentation is compulsory, confirming that all the medical, health,
administrative and legal requirements of the regulations in force in the country of departure relating to the
transfer of human remains have been complied with. This might include a death certificate, certificate of
embalming, cremation certificate or any other certificate required by national legislation. If the documents are
not in English or in the language of the destination country, it may be necessary to have them translated and
certified.

The destination country might also have specific requirements e.g. the United Sates require a specific
document or laissez-passer, issued by the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine for importation of
human remains when the cause of death was due to a quarantinable communicable disease. Therefore, for
transport of COVID-19 human remains to the United States, a laissez-passer issued by the United States would
be required. Refer to Appendix 2 for an example of the United States requirements for importation of human
remains.

Should a difference exist between the requirements of the departure and destination countries e.g.
transporting non-embalmed human remains to a country where embalming is required, further bilateral
discussions would be needed. This can be done by contacting the local authority of the destination country
that mandates the human remains to be embalmed individually for confirmation of acceptance on a case-by-
case basis.

Requirements for air transport

Aircraft operators typically allow transport of human remains as cargo on aircraft, either on cargo-aircraft or in
the cargo section of a passenger aircraft. Cremated remains may be shipped as cargo or may be carried by
passengers as part of their baggage. Requirements and recommendations are set out in the TACT Rules, TACT
2.3.3 and the Airport Handling Manual, AHM 333 on the transport of human remains.

The following are recommended to all stakeholders considering transport of COVID-19 human remains by air:

Requirements for cremated remains

• cremated human remains are usually accepted in any aircraft without advance arrangements;
• the ashes should be placed in a polyurethane bag and then enclosed in a funeral urn;

3 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
• the urn can be transported in either carry-on or checked baggage. Policies might vary and it is
recommended to confirm with the countries and aircraft operators concerned;
• the urn will be subject to X-ray screening as part of the normal security procedures; and
• the urn must be efficiently protected against breakage by cushioning packaging.

Requirement for embalming

• WHO currently does not recommend embalming where the cause of death was COVID-19; however,
• it might be a requirement of the destination country and the aircraft operator carrying the human remains.

Preparation of the non-embalmed human remains for air transport

• staff preparing the body should wear appropriate PPE according to standard precautions;
• ensure that any body fluids leaking from orifices are contained;
• sprinkle the body corpse with special absorbent (e.g. Ardol) for binding and disinfection of leaking body
fluids of the corpse;
• wrap the body in two cloths soaked in formalin (10% solution) or any other suitable disinfectant;
• place the body into a hermetically sealed inner containment. The exterior of the inner containment needs to
be disinfected;
• the sealed and disinfected containment then needs to be placed into a second hermetically sealed inner
containment; the exterior of this inner containment also needs to be disinfected;
• after being sealed, the exterior of the coffin needs to be disinfected;
• a certificate detailing the date, time and manner of disinfection must be issued by the undertaker or funeral
director and submitted to the freight forwarder / aircraft operator;
• the coffin may then be covered in tarpaulin so that the nature of its content is not apparent; and
• acceptance of coffins by aircraft operators is dependent upon the type of aircraft, requirements of entry
and clearance and prior approval of the countries of origin, transit and destination.

Document requirements
• documentary requirements might be different for different countries. It is recommended that documentary
requirements are confirmed with both the country of departure and of destination prior to arrangement of
transport with the aircraft operator and be submitted to the freight forwarder / aircraft operator for
arrangement of transport. This might include a death certificate including cause of death, certificate of
embalming, cremation certificate, import permit or any other certificate required by national legislation.
• there might be a requirement that when embalming of the body has been performed, that the certificate of
embalming must be sealed in the coffin with the body.
• the person requesting transfer of the remains, should obtain a certificate from the funeral parlour or
mortuary regarding the procedures that have been followed and submit these certificates to the freight
forwarder / aircraft operator who would be required to submit it to the Public Health Office at the
destination country. This would either be an embalming certificate or a certificate that the body has been
enclosed in a double-body bag.
• in addition, a certificate confirming disinfection of the coffin must be issued by the mortuary and submitted
to the freight forwarder / aircraft operator.
• the Council of Europe has developed a Laissez-Passer template under the Strasbourg Agreement on the
Transfer of Corpses, https://archive.fo/aUAt5 that could be used for facilitation purposes. Appendix 3
provides the Laissez-Passer template.

4 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
Appendix 1 – Country (State) Restrictions on Importation of Human
Remains
Below table* lists all countries and states that have restrictions on the import of human remains (HUM)
particularly on HUM to be embalmed or where the cause of death was due to a contagious disease.

For the import of HUM where the cause of death was COVID-19, it is recommended to confirm with the air
operators and local competent authority (e.g. Public Health Authority) for specific requirements.

Country/State Description
Algeria Certificate attesting nature of illness

Antigua & Barbuda Embalming is required

Certificate from the health authority certifying the death was not caused by an
infectious disease

Australia Embalming is required, except for exceptional circumstances

Bhutan Embalming is required

Botswana Embalming is required

Colombia Embalming is required

Cook Islands Embalming is required

Costa Rica Embalming is required

Eritrea Embalming is required

Eswatini Doctor’s report for cause of death to determine if it is contagious

Fiji Islands Embalming is required

France Specific requirements apply when the cause of death was an infectious disease listed
in Sanitary Department Order

Gabon Embalming is required

Certificate attesting that the deceased was not suffering from an infectious disease

Germany Where contagious disease is the cause of death, the remain must be enveloped in
antiseptic linen

Grenada Embalming is required

Guatemala Embalming is required

Hong Kong (SAR China) Embalming is required

5 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
 Country/State Description
India Embalming is required

Indonesia Doctor certificate to confirm the death was not caused by a contagious disease

Ireland Embalming is required

Jamaica Embalming is required

Japan If the death was caused by an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease, such
human remains may not be imported unless cremated.

Malawi Embalming is required

Malaysia Embalming is required

Malta Certificate from Health Authorities at origin that remains can be transported without
risk and danger to public health

Mexico Special requirement for non-embalmed human remains.

Montserrat Embalming is required

Certificate from originating Health Authority certifying death was not caused by an
infectious disease

Myanmar Embalming is required

New Caledonia Embalming is required

Certificate proving that there are no infectious risks

New Zealand Special requirement for non-embalmed human remains

Doctor certificate stating that there were no communicable diseases present in the
deceased and the area where they died

Nigeria Embalming is required

Pakistan If death was caused by infectious disease entry is prohibited.

Peru Embalming is required

Philippines For deaths caused by communicable disease, admittance is allowed only when the
remains are cremated or properly embalmed and enclosed in hermetically sealed
coffin

Portugal Where contagious disease is the cause of death, the remain must be wrapped in a
shroud soaked in an antiseptic substance

Puerto Rico Embalming is required

6 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
 Country/State Description
Human remains will not be admitted when the cause of death was a communicable
disease.

Salvador, El Embalming is required

Certificate stating the cause and place of the death has not been an epidemic or
contagious illness

Samoa Embalming is required

Special requirement for non-embalmed human remains

Seychelles Embalming is required

Singapore Preservation certificate is required

Sri Lanka Embalming is required

St. Lucia Embalming is required

St. Vincent and the Embalming is required

Grenadines

Tajikistan If death was caused by infectious disease entry is prohibited.

Tonga Special requirement for non-embalmed human remains

Trinidad and Tobago Embalming is required

Turkey Embalming is required

Uganda Embalming is required

Venezuela Embalming is required

Zambia Embalming is required

Zimbabwe Infectious disease certificate is required

* Important: Information is sourced by IATA and published in the The Air Cargo Tariff (TACT) Rules. Restrictions
are subject to change at any time.

7 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
Appendix 2 – Requirements for Importing Human Remains through a U.S.
Port that are Intended for Interment or Subsequent Cremation
Human remains intended for interment or cremation after entry into the United States must be accompanied by
a death certificate stating the cause of death. If the death certificate is in a language other than English, then it
should be accompanied by an English language translation. If a death certificate is not available in time for
returning the remains, the U.S. embassy or consulate should provide a consular mortuary certificate stating
whether the person died from a quarantinable communicable disease.

• If the cause of death was a quarantinable communicable disease, the remains must meet the standards for
importation found in 42 CFR Part 71.55 and may be cleared, released, and authorized for entry into the
United States only under the following conditions:
• the remains are cremated; or
• the remains are properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket; or
o the remains are accompanied by a permit issued by the CDC Director. The CDC permit (if applicable)
must accompany the human remains at all times during shipment. permits for the importation of the
remains of a person known or suspected to have died from a quarantinable communicable disease may
be obtained through the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine by calling the CDC Emergency
Operations Center at 770-488-7100. If a CDC permit is obtained to allow importation of human remains,
CDC may impose additional conditions for importation beyond those listed above.

If the cause of death was anything other than a quarantinable communicable disease, then the remains may be
cleared, released, and authorized for entry into the United States under the following conditions:

• the remains meet the standards for importation found in 42 CFR Part 71.55, (i.e., the remains are cremated,
or properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket, or are accompanied by a permit issued by
the CDC Director); or
• the remains are shipped in a leakproof container.

Under 42 CFR § 71.32(b), CDC may also require additional measures, including detention, disinfection,
disinfestation, fumigation, or other related measures, if it has reason to believe that the human remains are or
may be infected or contaminated with a communicable disease and that such measures are necessary to
prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases into the United States

8 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020
Appendix 3 – Laissez-Passer for Human Remains

9 Guidance Information on the Transport of COVID-19 Human Remains by Air 14 April 2020