Transportation of Human Remains, Bones and Ashes to Greece

If a Greek citizen dies abroad, relatives or friends of the deceased should contact the nearest Consular Authority.

Transfer of Human Remains

The transfer of human bodies from Queensland into Greece is allowed only upon presentation of the following certificates from the competent authorities (i.e. Department of Health, Registrar-General’s Office and the Licensed Funeral Director):

  • Full Certified Death Certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages (Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane). This certificate should have the “APOSTILLE” Seal affixed to it by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Qld: Level 17, 150 Charlotte Street, Brisbane).
  • Embalming Certificate from the Funeral Director, stating that they have complied with the regulations and also stating the details and procedure of the embalming.
  • Certificate from the Medical authority stating that the deceased was not suffering from any contagious disease.
  • Form P – Notice of removal of a Body out of the State of Queensland.
  • One (1) document which has the details of the deceased, including his/her date of birth, e.g.: Passport, Birth Certificate or Family Status Certificate from the relevant Municipality in Greece.

Upon presentation of the above certificates, the Greek Consular Authority will issue the relevant documentation, which will accompany the remains to Greece.

The Funeral Director must comply with international standards and guidelines for the transportation of human remains to Greece.

N.B.: The transfer of bodies of person who have died from the following diseases, is NOT allowed into Greece before the lapse of at least three (3) years after the death:

Plague, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Smallpox

When the coffin is sent by Sea, the wooden coffin should be placed into a wooden crate and it should be stored in such a way that it is not in the vicinity of foodstuffs and is not in evidence to passengers or crew. Nothing should be placed within the coffin, except wreaths and flowers, if desired.

Transfer of Human Bones

The transfer of human bones from Queensland into Greece is allowed on the condition that they are washed in an antiseptic solution and placed into a hermetically sealed box.

The transfer of bones of a person who has died from Plague, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Smallpox is allowed only after the lapse of three (3) years from death.

Upon presentation of the below certificates, the Greek Consular Authority will issue the relevant documentation, which will accompany the remains to Greece.

  • Full Death Certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages (Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane). This certificate should have the “APOSTILLE” Seal affixed to it by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Qld: Level 17, 150 Charlotte Street, Brisbane).
  • Certificate from the Funeral Director, stating that they have complied with the regulations and also stating the details and procedure of the preparation of the bones for transportation.

Transfer of Cremated Remains

The transfer of cremated remains of persons from Queensland into Greece is allowed on the condition that they are placed into an airtight urn. The urn should then be placed in a sealed wooden box for transportation.

Upon presentation of the below certificates, the Greek Consular Authority will issue the relevant documentation, which will accompany the cremated remains to Greece.

  • Full Death Certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages (Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane). This certificate should have the “APOSTILLE” Seal affixed to it by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Qld: Level 17, 150 Charlotte Street, Brisbane).
  • Cremation Certificate from the Funeral Director or Crematorium, stating that they have complied with the regulations and also stating the details and procedure of the preparation of the cremated remains for transportation.