Transporting Ashes or Remains from Vietnam to the United States

Costs - Burial and Cremation in Vietnam vs. Shipment of Remains to the United States

The cost for preparation and burial in Ho Chi Minh City is estimated to begin at approximately USD 3,500. This cost can be higher depends on the land area. The cost for cremation and disposition of ashes in Ho Chi Minh City is estimated to begin at approximately USD 2,200.

Should the next of kin decide to have the remains returned to the U.S. for burial, the costs are significantly higher due to the high cost of airfreight and embalming. The cost for preparation, embalming and air shipment of remains to the U.S. is estimated at USD 10,000 to USD 16,000 or more depending on the airline. The cost for preparation, cremation and air shipment of ashes to the U.S. is estimated at USD 2,500 to USD 6,000.

Procedures for Transporting Ashes or Remains from Vietnam to the United States

The procedures for requesting permission to transport the ashes or remains of an American citizen back to the U.S. from Vietnam follows:

a) Fill out the quarantine permit application form (obtained at the International Quarantine Service).

b) Be prepared to present any documents pertaining to the remains, such as a Vietnamese Death Certificate, certification from the physician or hospital, and other evidence of the death in support of the request for the permit.

c) Bring the urn with the ashes to the International Quarantine Service for sealing (if applicable).

International Quarantine Service (Department of Health)
40 Nguyen Van Troi, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel : 3844-0155/3844-5306/3844-0157

The Consulate General has been informed that the permit for transporting ashes or remains back to the U.S. will generally be processed within 30 minutes. The issuance fee is 105,000 VND (approximately 5 USD).