Embryo transport to and from the UK
Moving frozen embryos from a UK clinic to the USA, or bringing them to the UK? A courier carries the shipper in the cabin the whole way and hands it to the receiving lab. Here is how the HFEA side works, what it costs and how to ask for a price.
Can you ship embryos from the UK to the USA?
Yes, and the other way too. The UK clinic releases the embryos, our courier flies them in a charged dry shipper, and the US clinic accepts them. Eggs and sperm travel the same way.
The UK side is the clinic's job. Licensed UK clinics import and export embryos under the HFEA's rules. Most moves fit the HFEA's standing direction on import and export. When one does not, the clinic applies to the HFEA for a special direction, and that application needs a letter from the receiving clinic saying it will accept the embryos. Ask your UK clinic early which applies to you, because it sets the date we can fly.
How much do IVF couriers cost from the UK?
It depends on the two cities, the flight and what the two labs ask for. This is the range we work from between the UK and the US. Your exact price comes back within 24 hours.
| Route | Examples | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| UK and US, either direction | London to Houston, New York to Manchester, Los Angeles to Edinburgh | From $4,500 |
| UK to another country | London to Dublin, Birmingham to Lagos | Quoted per route |
Prices are in US dollars and cover the courier, travel, a charged dry vapour shipper and the chain of custody paperwork. Clinic fees and any HFEA application are separate.
Moving frozen embryos to another clinic in the UK
Moves between two UK clinics are usually short drives, and most UK clinics have a local courier for those. Our work is the long legs: the UK and the USA, and from the UK to other countries. If your move is inside the UK, ask your clinic who it uses. If it involves a flight, send us the route.
How embryos travel between the UK and the USA
- Step 1
Paperwork
Both clinics agree the move. The UK clinic confirms the HFEA side and the receiving clinic confirms it will accept the embryos.
- Step 2
Pickup
Our courier collects the embryos at the agreed time, checks the identification list and signs the chain of custody form with the lab.
- Step 3
Seal
The charged dry vapour shipper is sealed and the seal number is written down. A data logger records the temperature.
- Step 4
Flight
The courier flies with the shipper in the cabin, asks for a hand search instead of the X-ray machine and clears customs at arrival.
- Step 5
Handover
The receiving lab checks the seal and the contents, both sides sign, and you get the temperature record.
Questions people ask about embryo transport in the UK
Can you transport frozen embryos overseas from the UK?
Yes, when your UK clinic agrees and the HFEA side is in place. A courier hand-carries the shipper, so it never goes into a cargo hold or a parcel network.
Who applies to the HFEA to export or import embryos?
The licensed UK clinic. Most moves fit the HFEA's standing direction on import and export. If yours does not, the clinic applies for a special direction with a letter from the receiving clinic. We plan the flight around the clinic's answer and do not apply on anyone's behalf.
How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos from the UK to the USA?
The table above shows our range between the UK and the US. The exact price depends on the cities, the dates and what the labs need. We reply within 24 hours.
How long does it take to ship embryos from the UK to the USA?
The flight is one day plus the drive at each end. The weeks before it go on paperwork between the two clinics, so start by asking both clinics what they need.
Do airport X-rays damage frozen embryos?
We ask for a hand search instead of the X-ray machine and carry a letter that explains why. The courier never hands the shipper to anyone else.
Can you also ship sperm or eggs from the UK?
Yes. Frozen sperm and eggs travel the same way as embryos, and the UK clinic handles the same HFEA side. Tell us which you are moving.
More on the UK and Europe
Flown by GuardianCryo from Houston. If a partner carries any leg of your route, they are named in your quote before you agree to anything.