How to Send a Letter Internationally in 2025: Complete Guide
Sending a letter internationally in 2025 is straightforward once you understand the postage rates, addressing requirements, and delivery options. This complete guide covers everything from USPS international services to customs requirements and delivery times worldwide.
International Address Format
Proper addressing is crucial for international mail delivery. Each country has specific formatting requirements that must be followed:
✅ International Address Format
🇬🇧 Example: United Kingdom
🇫🇷 Example: France
⚠️ Critical Addressing Rules
- • Country name must be in ALL CAPITALS on the bottom line
- • Use English or French country names (avoid native language names)
- • Include postal codes exactly as specified by destination country
- • Write addresses in Roman letters and Arabic numerals
- • Place your return address in the upper left corner
USPS International Postage Rates 2025
Rates current as of August 2025. Check USPS for updates if viewing later in the year.
International postage rates vary by destination and service level. Here are the current 2025 rates for letters and postcards:
| Service | Canada & Mexico | Other Countries | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postcard | $1.55 | $1.55 | 7-21 days |
| Letter (1 oz) | $1.55 | $1.55 | 7-30 days |
| Letter (2 oz) | $1.94 | $1.94 | 7-30 days |
| Letter (3 oz) | $2.33 | $2.33 | 7-30 days |
💰 International Mail Cost Breakdown
Standard Letters (1 oz)
- • Canada: $1.55
- • Mexico: $1.55
- • Europe: $1.55
- • Asia: $1.55
- • Australia: $1.55
Additional Ounces
- • Each additional oz: +$0.39
- • Maximum weight: 15.994 oz
- • Large envelope: Same rates
- • Flat Rate applies to Priority Mail International/PMEI envelopes & boxes (not First-Class letters)
International Mail Service Options
USPS offers several international mail services with different speed, tracking, and insurance options:
📮 First-Class Mail International
Best for: Letters, postcards, documents
- • Starting at $1.55
- • No tracking included
- • 7-30 day delivery
- • Maximum 15.994 oz
Available to: Worldwide (220+ countries)
- • Most economical option
- • No insurance included
- • Limited delivery confirmation
🚀 Priority Mail International
Best for: Important documents, faster delivery
- • Starting at $28.50
- • Includes tracking
- • 6-10 business days
- • Up to 4 lbs for flat rate
Available to: 190+ countries
- • $100 insurance included
- • Flat rate envelopes available
- • Online tracking throughout
⚡ Priority Mail Express International
Best for: Urgent documents, time-sensitive mail
- • Starting at $49.95
- • Premium tracking
- • 3-5 business days
- • Expedited processing
Available to: 190+ countries
- • $200 insurance included
- • Money-back guarantee* (eligible destinations only)
- • Signature confirmation
International Mail Delivery Times by Region
Delivery times vary significantly by destination country and service level chosen:
| Region | First-Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 7-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 10-21 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | 10-30 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| 🌏 Asia | 10-30 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 10-30 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| 🌍 Africa | 14-30 days | 6-15 days | 4-7 days |
| 🌎 South America | 14-30 days | 6-15 days | 4-7 days |
⏰ Factors Affecting International Delivery Times
Processing Delays
- • Customs clearance
- • Local postal service efficiency
- • Address accuracy and completeness
- • Holiday schedules in destination country
External Factors
- • Weather conditions
- • Transportation disruptions
- • Political or economic situations
- • Pandemic-related restrictions
Customs Forms and Requirements
Understanding customs requirements is essential for successful international mail delivery:
✅ Letters Typically Don't Need Forms (in many countries)
- • Personal correspondence
- • Documents with no commercial value
- • Greeting cards
- • Non-negotiable papers
- • Letters under certain weight limits
❌ Items Requiring Customs Forms
- • Items with commercial value
- • Gifts or samples
- • Documents requiring return receipt
- • Merchandise or goods
- • Anything over certain value thresholds
📋 Common Customs Forms
PS Form 2976 (CN 22)
Short form used for low-value items (service- and country-dependent)
PS Form 2976-A (CN 23)
Detailed form used for higher-value items or specific services; insert into PS Form 2976-E pouch
💡 Pro Tips for Customs
- • Declare all items honestly and accurately
- • Use detailed descriptions (not just "documents")
- • Keep receipts for valuable items
- • Check destination country restrictions
- • Consider using online customs forms
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Many items cannot be sent internationally, and restrictions vary by destination country:
🚫 Generally Prohibited Items
- • Aerosols and pressurized containers
- • Batteries (lithium, wet cell)
- • Cigarettes and tobacco products
- • Flammable liquids and gases
- • Firearms and ammunition
- • Hazardous materials
- • Live animals and plants
- • Perishable food items
- • Precious metals and stones
- • Currency and negotiable items
⚠️ Country-Specific Restrictions
- • Religious materials (some countries)
- • Political publications
- • Certain medications
- • Electronic devices
- • Cultural artifacts
- • Agricultural products
- • Lottery tickets
- • Used clothing (some countries)
Always check specific country restrictions on USPS.com
Send International Mail Online
Online international mailing simplifies the process by handling postage calculation, customs forms, and addressing requirements automatically:
✅ Online Mailing Benefits
- • Automatic postage calculation
- • Built-in address validation
- • Customs forms completed for you
- • Same-day processing available
- • Tracking included on all services
- • No post office visits required
📱 How Online International Mail Works
- 1. Upload your letter or document
- 2. Enter recipient's international address
- 3. Select service level and options
- 4. System calculates postage automatically
- 5. Complete any required customs information
- 6. Payment and same-day mailing
- 7. Receive tracking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to send a letter internationally?
International letter postage starts at $1.55 for First-Class Mail International to most countries. Priority Mail International starts at $28.50, and Priority Mail Express International starts at $49.95.
How long does international mail take to deliver?
First-Class Mail International typically takes 7-21 days to Canada and Mexico, and 7-30 days to other countries. Priority Mail International takes 6-10 business days, while Express takes 3-5 business days.
Do I need customs forms for international letters?
Letters typically don't require customs forms, but packages and items with commercial value do. Always check specific country requirements as some destinations have unique rules.
Can I track international mail?
First-Class Mail International has limited tracking. Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International include full tracking throughout delivery.
What happens if my international letter is returned?
Returned mail may be due to incorrect addressing, prohibited contents, or customs issues. The letter will be returned to your address with a reason stamp.
Can I send certified or registered mail internationally?
USPS Certified Mail is domestic only. For international letters and flats, use Registered Mail with First-Class Mail International. For tracking and faster delivery, use Priority Mail International or Priority Mail Express International (availability varies by country).
Which countries require customs forms for all mail?
Countries with strict customs regulations like Australia, New Zealand, and some European Union nations may require customs declarations for all mail items, regardless of value. Check USPS country-specific requirements.
📚 Related International Mail Guides
• Complete international mailing guide
Tags: how to send letter internationally, international mail, USPS international mail, send letter overseas, international postage rates 2025