Some items that can be posted domestically can't be sent overseas. There are also restrictions on sending some everyday items in the post everywhere, and these can differ by country. It's important to understand what you're not allowed to send by mail so that you can plan and nothing is held up in delivery. If you send an item which is prohibited or has not met its restrictions then your item will be dealt with by Royal Mail or Parcel Force as they see fit. This can includes disposing of the parcel completely.

Customs forms are mandatory for any items other than letters and documents being sent internationally, including to EU countries. We’ve produced a guide on how to fill in a customs form.

You want your item to arrive safe and sound, so the packaging you choose needs to be able to cope with a few bumps and scrapes. This is especially true for international freight as it’ll be on a ship or a plane for part of its journey. Use strong cardboard and check the corners for damage.

It can damage items if they move around inside a box, so try to pack the inside of your parcel well. You can do this with packing materials like bubble wrap and polystyrene peanuts, but remember that these can’t be recycled so use them sparingly or use green alternatives.

Make sure your mail is addressed correctly. If you're not sure of the address you're sending to - whether an entire address or just part of one - use a digital maps service or search engine like Google or Apple Maps to fill out the remaining details.

Always include the full address with the zip code or postcode and the country written in English. Write the country on the last line of the address in capital letters, and avoid abbreviations (like FRANCE instead of FR). Label your parcel if you need to so all the relevant info is easy to check, including customs forms. The country you’re posting to might have size and weight restrictions, so check these before sending.

And if we can’t deliver your package for any reason, we’ll need to know where to return it for free. Add your UK return address on the opposite face of the package to the delivery address.

You can easily weigh your parcel and choose postage in your local branch, but there’s also help for how to weigh your parcel at home. Take a look at international size and weight restrictions to give you an idea of what your package will be.

International Standard

Easily send letters and parcels abroad with an inexpensive international postage service from Royal Mail.

Speedy service - deliver to Europe within 3-5 working days and worldwide 5-7 working days

Up to £20 compensation for lost or damaged items

Free returns if your items are undelivered

Find out more about International Standard

International Confirmed

Know where your letter or parcel is and that it’s arrived safely. Our fast, reliable confirmed delivery services offer a choice of post tracking and signature on delivery.

Includes up to £50 compensation. Option to increase to £250

Priority handling in the UK

Tracking and/or signature on delivery

Free returns if your mail is undelivered

Speedy service - deliver to Europe within 3-5 working days and worldwide 5-7 working days

Find out more about International Confirmed

International Guaranteed

Sending urgent items overseas? Make sure they arrive quickly and safely with Parcelforce Worldwide express and priority services.

Depending on which service you choose, you can benefit from:

Next working day delivery to the US, Canada and Europe.

Online tracking and delivery confirmation to most destinations

Signature on delivery and named confirmation online

Full or partial refund if your item is delayed

Option to buy extra cover up to £2,500

Find out more about International Guaranteed

Use our branch finder to locate your nearest Post Office branch, then just pop in and see us. If you’re confident with what you need to do, you can use our self-service kiosks and save time. But we’re always on-hand in person to help with your queries and get your item sent.