Can embryos, sperm and egg cells be safely shipped from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria?

Yes. When samples are transported in validated vapour-phase liquid nitrogen dry shippers that maintain around −196 °C, embryos, sperm and oocytes remain frozen and are not thawed during the journey. The key is using a specialist IVF cryo courier that can guarantee temperature control, manual security inspection and chain-of-custody from the US clinic to the Nigerian IVF centre.

Is it legal to ship my embryos or sperm from the USA to Nigeria?

In most cases it is legal, provided you have signed export consent with your US clinic and the Nigerian clinic agrees to receive and store or use the samples. Clinics typically require you to complete their own release forms, and a dedicated cryo shipping company then handles aviation, customs and health-authority compliance between countries. Patients should always confirm individual clinic and country requirements before booking.

Do I need to travel with my embryos or sperm to Nigeria?

No, patients do not usually need to travel with the samples. A trained on-board courier accompanies the cryogenic tank from the clinic in Chicago or Indianapolis, through the airport and flights, and into the IVF laboratory in Nigeria. This door-to-door professional escort reduces stress for patients and allows them to focus on treatment planning rather than logistics.

How much does it cost to ship embryos or sperm from the USA to Nigeria?

Costs vary based on distance, exact routing, lead-time, documentation needs and whether you choose standard or urgent service. Pricing generally includes the courier’s travel, the cryogenic tank, scheduling, tracking and customs support, with optional insurance for the value of the reproductive material. The most accurate way to get a figure is to request a personalised quote with details of both clinics and sample types.

Will the cryogenic tank go through X-rays at the airport?

Specialist IVF and medical couriers use specific documentation and established procedures to request manual inspection of tanks, so they are not sent through standard X-ray machines. This approach is designed to protect the biological material from unnecessary radiation exposure while still meeting aviation security requirements.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

To prepare a quote, the logistics team typically needs: your name, the sending clinic in Chicago or Indianapolis, the receiving clinic in Nigeria, whether you are shipping embryos, sperm or egg cells, approximate quantity, preferred timing and any known legal or consent constraints. This information allows accurate routing, timing and price estimates while keeping your medical details confidential.

Can you ship from sperm banks and egg banks as well as IVF clinics?

Yes. Dedicated cryo logistics providers regularly collect from hospital-based IVF units, stand-alone fertility clinics, sperm banks and egg banks. The courier coordinates directly with the storage facility, ensuring that local release procedures are followed and that straws or vials are loaded into the dry shipper under embryologist supervision.

What happens when my embryos or sperm arrive in Nigeria?

Once customs clearance is completed, the courier delivers the cryogenic tank directly to the receiving IVF clinic or storage centre. Embryologists there confirm the patient identifiers and sample condition, transfer the samples into clinic storage tanks, and confirm safe receipt. Patients and referring clinics then receive confirmation, allowing treatment to proceed.

Why shouldn’t I just use a standard courier or airline cargo?

General parcel services and cargo networks are not designed for cryogenic reproductive material and usually exclude it from their terms and conditions. They cannot guarantee consistent −196 °C conditions, manual inspections, or dedicated monitoring, which increases the risk of warming events, delays and loss. Specialist IVF couriers are built specifically around protecting high-value biological samples and complying with medical and aviation rules.

IVF Courier Services from Chicago & Indianapolis to Nigeria for Embryos, Sperm and Egg Cells

Q: How long does cryo shipping from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria take?

Most shipments require 1–3 weeks for coordination, documentation and clinic approvals, followed by 1–3 days of actual transit time depending on routes and connections. Overall, patients are usually advised to allow several weeks from first enquiry to final delivery at the Nigerian clinic, especially if they have fixed embryo transfer or stimulation dates.

Cryo Medical Logistics
Dec 20, 2025
8 min read

IVF Courier Services from Chicago & Indianapolis to Nigeria for Embryos, Sperm and Egg Cells

Speak to a cryo medical logistics specialist today:

Call: +44 2081500059
WhatsApp (24/7): +44 7585610211
Email: transports@cryomedicallogistics.com

Who Cryo Medical Logistics Is and Why Patients Trust Us

Cryo Medical Logistics is a division of Greenplace Healthcare, an ISO 9001:2015 certified, AFRH and HFEA‑compliant organisation specialising in hand‑carry IVF cryogenic transport of reproductive materials worldwide. The team coordinates thousands of successful shipments of embryos, sperm, eggs and other biological samples across more than 60 countries, supported by validated dry shippers, live GPS and temperature monitoring, and insurance cover up to approximately $36,750 per shipment.

Dedicated cryo couriers are healthcare‑trained professionals who work directly with embryologists, fertility doctors, cryo storage labs, surrogacy agencies and they follow IATA and EU Tissue Directive standards to protect sample integrity and patient confidentiality at every stage. This approach means patients, clinics and intended parents worldwide can rely on consistent procedures for documentation, chain of custody, X‑ray shielding and customs clearance.

Why Ship Embryos, Sperm and Egg Cells from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria?

Many Nigerian and diaspora patients choose to store embryos, sperm or oocytes in fertility clinics in the United States, including Chicago and Indianapolis, then later decide to continue treatment or surrogacy closer to home in Nigeria. Shipping existing frozen samples to Lagos or Abuja can avoid repeating stimulation cycles or donor arrangements, which saves time, cost and emotional burden while keeping treatment within familiar cultural and family networks.

Cryo Medical Logistics supports patients, intended parents, clinics and agencies who need safe, compliant routes between US IVF centres and Nigerian fertility clinics. Shipments typically move between large US hubs (such as Chicago O’Hare and Indianapolis) and Nigerian cities including Lagos and Abuja, using carefully planned flight paths and local partners who understand reproductive material import processes.

What Can Be Shipped to Nigeria?

The service covers the main types of cryopreserved reproductive materials used in assisted reproduction and fertility preservation.

Frozen embryos created through IVF
Frozen sperm samples stored for fertility treatment, preservation or donor use
Frozen egg cells (oocytes), whether from the patient or an egg donor.

Cryo Medical Logistics delivers embryos, sperm, and egg cells all across Nigeria from worldwide daily. We are the leaders across Nigeria for all international and domestic transports.

Cryo Medical Logistics uses specialised vapour‑phase nitrogen dry shippers that maintain temperatures close to –196 °C and can remain within cryogenic range for up to about 14 days when fully charged, which is sufficient for intercontinental routing and any customs checks. All tanks are positioned and secured to prevent tipping or damage, and the contents remain sealed; there is no thawing or refreezing during transport.

Is It Legal to Ship Embryos and Gametes to Nigeria?

International transport of embryos, sperm and eggs is permitted when carried out under clinic consent, medical regulation and transport safety rules. US clinics generally allow export of cryopreserved reproductive material once patients sign the relevant consent forms and settlement of clinic storage or administrative fees is confirmed.

Recognised IVF clinics in Nigeria operate within professional guidelines and accept imported embryos and gametes when documentation and handling meet international standards.

Cryo Medical Logistics prepares and manages the paperwork required for export and import, including clinic letters, chain‑of‑custody records, transport declarations, and customs or health‑authority documentation, in line with IATA, EU Tissue Directives and local regulations.

Step‑by‑Step: How Cryo Shipping from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria Works

1. Initial Consultation and Clinic Details

The process begins with a short consultation to gather key information: patient or intended parent details, names and contacts for the US clinic in Chicago or Indianapolis, and the receiving fertility clinic in Nigeria. The coordination team also asks about the type and number of samples, tank access rules and any clinic‑specific requirements or release forms.

Patients receive a clear outline of estimated timelines, costs, route options and any anticipated permits or special authorisations that may be required for exit from the US or entry into Nigeria. This is also the point where preferred shipping dates and any treatment deadlines in Nigeria (e.g. planned embryo transfer or stimulation cycles) are taken into account.

2. Clinic Coordination and Documentation

Once the booking is confirmed, Cryo Medical Logistics liaises directly with embryologists and administrators at the US clinic, arranging release appointments, access to storage, and completion of export consent forms. The team coordinates with the Nigerian clinic to confirm acceptance, laboratory contact details, storage availability and any local documentation required on arrival.

Standard documentation usually includes authorisation letters, transport agreements, along with customs and regulatory paperwork prepared by the logistics team. Patients receive copies or summaries for their records, so they always know which documents are in place and which steps are still outstanding.

3. Route Planning and Flight Selection

Cryo Medical Logistics selects routes that minimise travel time, connection complexity and risk of delay, typically using major hubs for departures from Chicago or Indianapolis and arrivals into Nigeria. Whenever possible, the same courier stays with the shipment door‑to‑door, using flights that allow tanks to remain nearby, upright and secure throughout the journey.

The team carefully assesses layovers, airline rules, airport security practices and time zones, planning for manual X‑ray exemption checks so that tanks are inspected visually rather than sent through scanners. Contingency options are prepared in advance so that if a flight is disrupted, the courier and operations team can adjust without compromising temperature or security.

4. Tank Preparation, Charging and Quality Checks

Before collection, dry shippers are pre‑charged with liquid nitrogen in specialist facilities and validated to maintain the required temperatures for the full journey plus contingency. Tanks are inspected for integrity, filled according to manufacturer specifications, and fitted with live GPS and, where available, temperature monitoring devices that feed into the company’s tracking software.

All tanks are labelled according to IATA and dangerous goods rules (UN Category B where applicable), and documentation is attached in a secure and confidential manner, with patient identifiers handled carefully and in accordance with privacy standards. These checks help ensure that the shipper arrives at the clinic ready to receive samples and that regulators can confirm compliance during any inspection.

5. Sample Collection in Chicago or Indianapolis

On the collection day, a trained courier travels to the US clinic or storage facility, presents authorisation and performs a joint inspection with the embryology team before loading straws or vials into the tank. Embryologists verify patient identifiers, sample counts and positions, and sign chain‑of‑custody documents before the courier seals and secures the dry shipper.

The courier then transports the tank directly to the airport, uses pre‑arranged procedures at security and check‑in counters to protect the shipment from unnecessary handling or scanning. Throughout this stage, operations staff monitor timelines and provide updates to both clinics and the patient or agency.

6. In‑Transit Monitoring and Security

During the flights and any layovers, the courier keeps the tank close at hand, typically as accompanied luggage, and monitors temperature indicators and tracking devices. Real‑time tracking systems allow the operations team and, where appropriate, the client to view progress on a live map, reducing anxiety and enabling quick responses to any irregularities.

Manual security checks and medical exemption letters are used to avoid putting the tank through X‑ray machines, reducing any risk to the genetic material. If delays or re‑routing become necessary, backup plans help ensure that transit time remains within the validated holding period of the dry shipper and that customs and arrival arrangements are updated.

7. Arrival in Nigeria

The courier transports the tank directly to the receiving IVF clinic, where embryologists confirm sample identity and condition before transfer into local storage or procedure‑specific tanks.

Safety, Quality and Accreditation: How Your Samples Are Protected

Safety measures include the use of premium dry vapour shippers, secure in‑vehicle tank positioning, specialist gas‑safety training for drivers and couriers, and background checks for staff. Real‑time GPS and temperature monitoring, combined with dedicated operations oversight, helps ensure deviations are identified early and resolved before sample viability is affected.

Why Not Use General Couriers or DIY Transport?

Standard parcel services and airline cargo systems are designed for commercial goods, not cryogenic reproductive material, and they normally exclude liability for biological samples in their terms and conditions. These networks cannot guarantee continuous temperature control at –196 °C, manual handling procedures tailored to cryogenic tanks, or protection from X‑ray screening and rough handling.

Attempting do‑it‑yourself transport with rented tanks or checked luggage also carries substantial risk, including potential denial at security, uncompensated loss, and non‑compliance with aviation and medical regulations. By contrast, Cryo Medical Logistics offers specialist on‑board couriers, compliant packaging, insurance options, regulatory support and a track record of thousands of successful IVF shipments worldwide.

How Long Does Cryo Shipping from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria Take?

Typical lead times include a planning phase and the actual transport usually 1–3 weeks.

Transit and delivery often takes 1–3 days, depending on routing and connections.

Costs, Insurance and What Affects Pricing

The cost of cryo shipping from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria depends on several factors, including distance and routing, the number and type of samples, lead‑time, additional permits, and whether standard or express service is chosen. Insurance coverage can be added to many shipments, with limit options up to around $36,750 per transport to reflect the value of the reproductive material and associated treatment.

Because each case is unique, Cryo Medical Logistics provides customised quotations rather than one‑size‑fits‑all pricing, explaining what is included (such as courier time, dry shippers, documentation, and customs coordination) and any potential extras. This transparency helps clinics and patients budget correctly and compare options without hidden fees.

Who This Service Is For

Cryo Medical Logistics supports a wide range of clients involved in assisted reproduction and fertility preservation.

Individuals and couples sending embryos, sperm or oocytes from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria for IVF or ICSI
Intended parents coordinating surrogacy in Nigeria who have samples stored in the United States
Fertility clinics, sperm banks and egg banks moving inventory between branches or partner centres
Agencies and coordinators who need a single, reliable logistics partner for multiple routes and countries.

Whether this is a first IVF cycle, a long‑planned return to Nigeria for treatment, or a complex multi‑clinic case, the logistics team adapts routes and processes to medical, legal and emotional priorities.

FAQs: Cryo Shipping from Chicago & Indianapolis to Nigeria

Can embryos, sperm and egg cells safely survive the journey?

Yes, when transported in validated dry shippers at cryogenic temperatures, embryos, sperm and oocytes remain in a suspended state and are not thawed during transit. The use of high‑quality tanks, pre‑journey validation and continuous monitoring helps ensure that temperatures stay within safe ranges from collection through to delivery.

Can the tank go through X‑ray machines at the airport?

Specialist couriers use medical documentation and established procedures to request manual inspection rather than X‑ray screening for cryogenic tanks, to avoid exposing reproductive material to unnecessary radiation.

What information is needed to get a quote?

For an accurate quote, the logistics team will ask for the names and locations of the sending and receiving clinics, the type of samples (embryos, sperm, eggs), approximate quantities, preferred time frame, and any known regulatory requirements. Personal and medical data are handled confidentially and used only to design safe, compliant shipping plans.

Ready to Plan Your Cryo Shipment from Chicago or Indianapolis to Nigeria?

Shipping embryos, sperm or egg cells is one of the most important decisions a family or clinic will ever make, and it needs a partner that treats every shipment as uniquely as the people behind it. With ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, HFEA‑compliant systems, specialist couriers and advanced tracking technology, Cryo Medical Logistics offers the safety, transparency and empathy that such a journey deserves.

Contact Cryo Medical Logistics today to start planning your cryo shipment from Chicago or Indianapolis to Lagos, Abuja or other Nigerian cities: