Can I scatter human ashes in Greece?

Question

I would like to take my Father-in-Law's ashes abroad to scatter them in his favourite place Kos (Greece). Does any one know what are the rules and reg's regarding this and do I need any formal documentation?.

Answer 1

CONTACT THE BRITISH CONSUL THEY WILL TELL YOU OR THE GREEK CONSUL YOU NORMALLY HAVE TO FILL A FORM IN THATS ALL THERE IS TO IT, GOOD LUCK,

Answer 2

I don't think that scattering the ashes will be a problem - chances are that no one's going to take offence. *However*, bringing the urn in Greece may be a problem - especially if you're coming from outside the Schengen area and/or travelling by plane. You may want to check that with the closest Greek consular authorities, to see what documentation is required for importing human remains. I suspect that you will be required to provide a certificate of death.

The link below will lead you to a list of Greek missions thoughout the world, with e-mail and telephone contact details.

http://www.ypex.gov.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Services/Directory/Greek+Missions+Abroad/

Answer 3

Yes. It's been done before and it will be done with mine as well.
Some 7-8 years ago a prominent Irish bloke who had a house in Paxos was cremated in England and his ashes were scattered in his beloved Ionian waters. Was there for the ceremonies that typically to Irish wake tradition had a lot of laughs and drinking and celebrating the man's life.

Answer 4

I agree with Londonmc - since cremation has very recently been legalised in Greece, I doubt there are yet any facilities available, and that the authorities know what to do and how. So, go ahead and scatter his ashes freely where he wanted - let his soul rest in peace and may you remember the good moments you had with him.

Answer 5

Creamation is forbidden in th eOrthodox Religion so I would advise you to just not say anything. I am going to do the same for a relative. But I have been told that you do need documentation to spread human ashes anywhere.

Answer 6

Of course you can.... You have the right to, and there' s
no need to ask anybody.... Do not forget that Maria Callas' last wish, which has been accomplished, was that her ashes be scattered in the Aegean Sea... And while doing that, just say a warm "goodbye" to him from me too.... He must have been a sensitive and inspired person....

Answer 7

If you ask for any formal permission or anything you will never get through bureaucracy and so on. Just do it! No one will say anything. Don't do it in a place crowded with people of course.
As for transporting the ashes, don't take them as carry-on, just put them in a container in your suitcase, I don't think this will be a problem. Don't ask anyone beforehand, they may cause problems. If THEY ask you anything, just say you never thought there would be a problem.

Answer 8

Contact the British Consulate in Kos and speak to Lynne, she's really helpful and I''m sure she can find out for you.

Telephone: (00) (30) 22420 21549
www.aneki.com/consulate/British_Vice_Consulate_Kos.

Answer 9

just do it and tell noone!!!

Dont ask any permission. There are NO rules and NO conditions because crimation (i mean burning instead of burrying, hope i spelled it right) is unknown in Greece.

if they decide to make any rules they will be 200 pages long so please dont open their eyes.

Sorry for your loss, have a nice stay in Greece.

Answer 10

just go over there and throw the ashes wherever u want, no one is going to know are they. i threw mi uncles ash's in the english channel without tellin a soul

Answer 11

Yes, just go on and do it, cremation is legal in Greece. If you go in summer, there are so many tourists that no one is going to notice you anyway.