October 12, 2010
Postal Service sets overseas holiday mail deadlines By American Forces Press Service
The United States Postal Service has recommended a Nov. 12 mailing deadline for sending economy-priced holiday packages to service members in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world.
Other deadlines for arrival by Dec. 25 are Nov. 26 for space-available mail; Dec. 3 for parcel airlift mail; Dec. 10 for priority mail and first-class mail, letters and cards; and Dec. 18 for express mail military service.
Holiday packages and mail headed for Iraq and Afghanistan must be sent a week earlier than the deadlines above, Postal officials say. Express mail military service is not available to those destinations.
Remember, APO/FPO addresses usually require customs forms, and each country has customs regulations that apply to all mail coming into the country.
Mail addressed to military and diplomatic post offices overseas is subject to restrictions in content, preparation and handling.
For specific restrictions and mailing prices to an APO/FPO address, visit the Postal Service’s online price calculator or a local post office or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.