Four in ten Brits want their ashes scattered overseas - but hidden costs could leave families out of pocket
For many Brits, funerals are a subject often left for ‘another day’. Yet our research revealed that almost nine in 10 people (88%) haven’t considered the costs involved - a gap that could leave families facing unexpected, and often significant bills.
To better understand how people are preparing for life’s final chapter, we analysed national data and surveyed attitudes towards end-of-life services. The findings we uncovered revealed a clear shift.
Rising costs in the UK are not only reshaping how families say goodbye but are also driving two core trends: the growing popularity of direct cremations and a rising desire for Brits to have their ashes scattered further afield.
The true cost of a final farewell in 2025
Data from SunLife’s ‘Cost of Dying’ report 2025
With prices continuing to climb, families are often left footing the burden themselves. On average, they have to find almost £2,371 to cover the costs.
To make ends meet, many family members, already faced with grief, are being forced into difficult choices to cover their loved ones' funeral costs.
A third of Brits (33%) admit they have dipped into savings or investments to facilitate the cost, while nearly a quarter (24%) rely on credit cards.
Elsewhere, nearly the same amount (23%) turn to family or friends for help, and just shy of one in five (19%) even sell personal belongings to cover the costs.
The cost-of-living crisis is also changing how we view the way we say goodbye to loved ones. One in three Brits (33%) admits that rising costs have changed how they have organised or paid for a send-off.
A growing number, as we are about to see from the data provided below, are moving away from traditional services towards direct cremations, offering a simple, low-cost alternative with no formal ceremony.
Trends in funeral choices in the UK
Year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct Cremations | 3% | 14% | 18% | 18% | 20% | 20% |
Burials | 23% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 27% | 25% |
Cremations | 74% | 59% | 57% | 57% | 53% | 55% |
Cremation total | 77% | 73% | 75% | 75% | 73% | 75% |
Once rare pre-pandemic, direct cremations have surged by 567% in the last five years, from 3% of funerals in 2019 to 20% in 2024. That’s one in five families now choosing a more low-fuss and affordable way to say farewell.
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Life insurance can help cover funeral costs
Funerals can be expensive affairs, but they remain deeply significant moments for families.
Our research finds that many are moving away from traditional services in favour of simpler, more personal alternatives -like scattering ashes. The challenge is ensuring those wishes can be carried out without leaving loved ones in financial difficulty.
Life insurance can help in covering funeral costs, at what is already an incredibly stressful time. With policies from MoneySuperMarket starting at just £2.69
^ a month, it’s a small step that can make a big difference. And by having the policy written in trust, loved ones can access funds faster.
Southern Europe is the most popular location for scattering ashes outside of the UK
As cremations give families the chance to create memorable moments with their loved ones' ashes, and potentially even fulfil their lifetime wishes, we set out to understand what Brits truly want for their final resting place. In a nationwide survey of 1,000 respondents, we asked them where they would most like to be scattered.
It seems Brits have a penchant to be closer to water, with the beach, sea and lakes sharing joint first place, as the preferred spot for 17%.
Other popular choices included a memorial garden or churchyard (14%), countryside walk or park (13%) and, more personally, a ‘favourite family spot’ (11%).
The top five most popular farewell locations
Rank | Location | Percentage of Brits (%) |
|---|---|---|
1 | Beach | 17% |
2 | Sea/lake | 17% |
3 | Memorial garden/churchyard | 14% |
4 | Countryside walk or park | 13% |
5 | Favourite family spot | 11% |
While many prefer to remain close to home when it comes to scattering ashes, others dream of a final journey overseas. Outside of the UK, Southern Europe was the most desirable destination, followed by the Caribbean, Northern Europe and the USA.
The top five most popular destinations to scatter ashes
Rank | Location |
|---|---|
1 | United Kingdom |
2 | Southern Europe |
3 | Caribbean |
4 | Northern Europe |
5 | United States of America |
The dream versus reality: Scattering ashes in certain parts of America could be illegal
As more Brits hope to have their ashes scattered overseas, few may not realise how complex the process can be. Each country has its own laws on transporting and scattering ashes, meaning that without the right knowledge, a personal moment could quickly become a stressful one.
For example, in the US, ashes must be scattered three nautical miles offshore. In Spain, scattering ashes in public places is strictly forbidden. And in Jamaica, you need to seek a health department transit permit before you can even travel with ashes.
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Customs rules for ashes
Many families may not realise that the laws around transporting ashes vary widely from country to country - sometimes even airline to airline. Without the correct paperwork or permits, travellers could face delays, extra costs, fines, or even, in some cases, be prevented from carrying out loved ones' wishes.
With laws and guidance always subject to change, planning ahead and conducting thorough research will ensure that their final journey can be done with the dignity and respect it deserves.
To take the guesswork out for families, we’ve created some simple guidance below outlining the rules for the five most popular destinations.
The top 5 most common country requests for scattering ashes and their custom rules
Iceland
Travel:
When travelling with ashes, the only requirement is to provide a death certificate.
An urn is not necessary, but as airline rules may differ, it’s best to check
Directly with your airline before you travel.
Scattering ashes in Iceland:
To scatter ashes in Iceland, you must obtain a permit from the District Commissioner of North East Iceland. You can apply directly through their official website here.
Australia
Travel:
There are no specific requirements for bringing human ashes into Australia. However, rules do apply to the container: it must be free from contaminants such as soil, and any wooden containers must be declared to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on arrival.
If you are carrying ashes with you, it’s recommended that you check with your airline or shipping company in advance, as they may have their own rules for ashes carried in hand luggage, checked baggage, or cargo
Scattering ashes in Australia:
To scatter ashes in Australia, you must first obtain permission:
From the landowner, if it is private property.
From the trustee, if it is a park or reserve.
From the local council, if it is a park, beach, or playing field, as scattering may otherwise breach the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 regarding air or water pollution.
Councils and other government authorities may also set conditions, such as the time, place, or manner in which ashes can be scattered.
Approval is not required from the Public Health Unit.
United States of America
Travel
Ashes should be placed in a temporary or permanent “security-friendly” container made of lightweight materials such as plastic or wood, so they can pass through X-ray screening.
If using a cremation urn, it must be entirely wood or plastic and X-ray compatible.
When importing cremated remains into the U.S., no death certificate is required if the remains were cremated before arrival.
When travelling with ashes on domestic or connecting flights within the U.S., cremated remains must be in a temporary container that can pass TSA X-ray machines. Acceptable materials include wood, plastic, cardboard, or non-lead-based ceramic.
Guidance for scattering ashes in American waters:
Ocean waters: Scattering ashes at sea within three nautical miles of shore (measured from the ordinary low water mark or a closing line on nautical charts across bays and river openings) is regulated under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). A general permit applies for ocean waters.
Inland waters: Scattering cremated remains in lakes, rivers, or other non-ocean waters is not regulated federally under the MPRSA.
State regulations: Individual states may have rules for scattering ashes in internal waters. Some states prohibit the burial of cremated remains in inland waters.
Contact the relevant state environmental agency, health agency, or mortuary board to confirm legal requirements before scattering ashes in non-ocean waters.
Guidance for scattering ashes in American national parks:
A permit is required to scatter ashes in a national park.
Ashes may only be scattered on land, away from cultural or sensitive features, and in areas that will not impact other visitors.
Markers, monuments, or cairns may not be left at the site.
Burying human ashes is not permitted.
The event must comply with all other park regulations
Spain
Travel:
It is recommended to travel carrying a British death certificate and a cremation certificate.
Travellers must bring a statement from the funeral company confirming the contents of the urn.
It is advised to contact your airline in advance to confirm whether cremated remains can be carried in hand luggage or if a specific method of transport is required.
Scattering ashes in Spain:
In Spain, the scattering of ashes in public spaces, including the sea, is not allowed.
Jamaica
Travel:
Travellers must have the official death certificate/post-mortem report, which includes the name, age, and cause of death.
A cremation certificate issued by the funeral home is advised. If unavailable, the death certificate usually notes the ‘method of disposition’.
A Transit Permit must be obtained before travelling to Jamaica with cremated remains from the Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department or the St. James Health Department.
Important: If a Transit Permit is not obtained in advance, the cremated remains will be examined by customs and detained at the airport until the permit is provided.
Scattering ashes in Jamaica:
There are no national laws specifically regulating the scattering of cremated remains in public spaces.
There are no publicly accessible laws regarding scattering ashes at sea.
Scattering ashes on private land requires permission from the landowner.
Sources
Government Of Iceland
Australia Border Force | AUS Gov Health
U.S. Customs and Border Protection | National Park Service
Citizens advice Spain | GOV UK
Embassy Of Jamaica
