Military Mailing Restrictions

Learn what you should and shouldn't send to our troops.

Before you send a letter or package to a military service member overseas, make sure you’re aware of certain restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail.

Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code™ (APO/FPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

• Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
• Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials.
• Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
• Pork or pork by-products.
• Firearms, alcohol, perishable foodstuffs and certain hazardous items also are restricted.
• Mail addressed to "Any Servicemember," or similar wording such as "Any Soldier," "Sailor," "Airman," or "Marine"; "Military Mail"; etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title such as "Commander," "Commanding Officer," etc.

To get specific and detailed restrictions based on a zip code, please check APO/FPO Table that details this information.

If you have more detailed questions, please contact the Military Postal Service Agency APO/FPO Questions at (800) 810-6098.

You can also see all of our related posts by clicking on the following categories "Care Package Ideas" and "Support Tips" on our side bar.

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