Does usps forward mail overseas
Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does forward mail overseas, but there are some limitations and requirements to consider. Here are the details:
General Information
The USPS offers a service called "Forwarding Mail Overseas" or "International Mail Forwarding" that allows you to forward your mail to a foreign address. This service is available for both personal and business use.
Eligibility
To use this service, you must have a valid USPS address in the United States and a foreign address where you want the mail to be forwarded. You can forward mail to most countries, but there are some exceptions, such as countries under international sanctions or with specific restrictions.
How it Works
To forward mail overseas, you'll need to:
- Fill out a change of address form (PS Form 3575) and indicate that you want to forward your mail to a foreign address.
- Provide the USPS with the new foreign address and any specific forwarding instructions (e.g., forwarding only certain types of mail).
- Pay the applicable forwarding fee, which varies depending on the type of mail and the destination country.
Types of Mail that Can be Forwarded
The USPS can forward most types of mail, including:
- Letters and postcards
- Packages (up to 70 lbs)
- Periodicals (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
- Parcels (up to 70 lbs)
However, some types of mail may not be eligible for forwarding, such as:
- Cash, checks, or other negotiable instruments
- Hazardous materials
- Perishable items
- Items that require special handling or clearance
Fees and Delivery Times
The cost of forwarding mail overseas varies depending on the type of mail, weight, and destination country. You can expect to pay additional fees for forwarding, which may include:
- Forwarding fee (varies by type of mail and destination country)
- International postage (varies by type of mail and destination country)
- Customs fees (varies by country and type of item)
Delivery times for forwarded mail can vary significantly depending on the destination country and the type of mail. In general, you can expect delivery times to range from 1-4 weeks for letters and postcards, and 2-6 weeks for packages.
Tips and Considerations
Before using the USPS's forwarding mail overseas service, consider the following:
- Check with the USPS for specific requirements and restrictions for forwarding mail to your destination country.
- Make sure you have a valid address in the United States and a foreign address where you want the mail to be forwarded.
- Be aware of any customs fees or taxes that may apply to the forwarded mail.
- Consider using a private mail forwarding service, which may offer more flexibility and convenience.
I hope this information helps!