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:
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Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
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Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials.
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Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
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Pork or pork by-products.
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Firearms, alcohol, perishable foodstuffs and certain hazardous items also are restricted.
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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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Dayngr says
This is a commonly asked question so it is great to have it included here.