USPS International Delivery Times Explained (2025 Guide)
Quick Answer: International Delivery Times
- First Class International: Typically 1–3 weeks (7–21 business days)
- Priority Mail International: Typically 6–10 business days
- Priority Mail Express International: Typically 3–5 business days
- Note: Delivery times are estimates only. Money-back guarantee is available only on eligible Priority Mail Express International shipments to select destinations.
How long does it take to send mail internationally? USPS international delivery times depend on the service you choose, the destination country, and customs processing time. This guide provides detailed delivery time estimates for all USPS international services, organized by region and country.
If you're wondering how long USPS international shipping takes, this guide breaks down typical international mail delivery times by service and country so you know what to expect before you send.
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Delivery Times by USPS Service
USPS offers three main international mail services with different speed and price points:
| Service | Delivery Time | Guaranteed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express Intl | 3-5 business days | Yes (on eligible destinations) | Around $55+ |
| Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | No | Around $28+ |
| First Class Mail International | 7-21 business days | No | Around $1.65+ |
Learn more about each service: First Class International | Priority Mail International
Delivery Times by Country/Region
Delivery times vary significantly by destination. The ranges below are typical estimates, not guaranteed delivery windows, and can be longer during peak seasons or customs delays.
North America
| Country | First Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 7-10 days | 6-8 days | 3-5 days |
| Mexico | 7-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
Europe
| Country | First Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Germany | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| France | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Italy | 10-18 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Spain | 10-18 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Poland | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
Asia Pacific
| Country | First Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| South Korea | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| China | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
| Australia | 10-14 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| New Zealand | 10-18 days | 6-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Philippines | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
| India | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
South America
| Country | First Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 14-28 days | 10-14 days | 3-5 days |
| Argentina | 14-21 days | 10-14 days | 3-5 days |
| Colombia | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
Middle East & Africa
| Country | First Class | Priority | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
| UAE | 14-21 days | 8-14 days | 3-5 days |
| South Africa | 14-28 days | 10-14 days | 3-5 days |
| Nigeria | 21-35 days | 14-21 days | 5-7 days |
What Affects International Delivery Time
Several factors influence how long your international mail takes to arrive:
- Service Level: Express is fastest, Priority is faster than First Class
- Destination Country: Distance matters less than infrastructure. Canada is fast; remote islands take longer.
- Customs Processing: The biggest variable. Can add hours to weeks depending on the country.
- Destination Postal Service: Some countries have efficient last-mile delivery; others do not.
- Time of Year: Holiday seasons (November-January) see significant delays worldwide.
- Day of Week: Mailing early in the week helps avoid weekend processing gaps.
- Package Contents: Items requiring inspection (food, electronics) may take longer in customs.
- Customs Documentation: Complete, accurate customs forms speed up processing.
Customs Processing Times
Customs is often the largest source of delays for international mail. Learn more about how to declare documents on customs forms and which customs form you need. Typical customs processing times:
| Country Type | Typical Processing | Possible Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Efficient (Canada, UK, Germany, Japan) | 1-2 days | Up to 1 week |
| Moderate (France, Italy, Australia) | 2-5 days | Up to 2 weeks |
| Slower (Brazil, India, Russia) | 5-14 days | Up to 4 weeks |
Reduce Customs Delays
- • Fill out customs forms completely and accurately
- • Describe contents in detail (not just "goods" or "merchandise")
- • Declare accurate values (do not undervalue)
- • Do not send prohibited items
- • Use electronic customs forms when possible
Holiday Season Delays
International mail slows significantly during holiday periods:
- November - January: Peak season. Add 1-2 weeks to all estimates.
- Chinese New Year (January/February): Significant delays for Asia-Pacific destinations.
- Summer holidays (July-August): European countries may have slower processing.
- Religious holidays: Various countries have different holiday schedules affecting postal operations.
For Christmas and other year-end holiday delivery, mail internationally at least 3-4 weeks before the holiday for First Class, 2-3 weeks for Priority, or 1-2 weeks for Express.
Fastest International Shipping Options
When time is critical, here are your options from fastest to slowest. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on the best USPS service for international documents:
- Priority Mail Express International (3-5 days)
USPS's fastest international service, with a money-back guarantee on eligible shipments to select destinations. Starting at around $55.
- Private Carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) (1-3 days)
Often faster than USPS Express, especially for business addresses. More expensive ($60-$150+).
- Priority Mail International (6-10 days)
Good balance of speed and cost. Includes tracking and insurance. Starting around $28.
- First Class Mail International (7-21 days)
Budget option. No tracking, no guarantees. Starting around $1.65 for letters.
Tips for Faster International Delivery
- Mail early in the week: Monday-Wednesday mailings avoid weekend processing gaps.
- Use USPS Click-N-Ship: Electronic customs forms process faster than handwritten forms.
- Complete address correctly: Include postal codes, apartment numbers, and proper formatting for the destination country.
- Do not undervalue contents: Customs may hold suspicious declarations for inspection.
- Avoid prohibited items: Even accidentally including restricted items can cause long delays.
- Choose appropriate service: Pay for faster service if deadline is firm.
- Check country restrictions: Some countries have suspended or delayed services. Check USPS.com.
- Track your shipment: Use USPS international tracking to monitor progress and identify where delays occur.
Send International Mail with Tracking
Skip the post office. Upload your document and we handle customs forms, postage, and tracking for international destinations.
Send International Mail OnlineFAQs
How long does USPS international mail take?
USPS international delivery times vary by service and destination. First Class Mail International typically takes 1–3 weeks (7–21 business days), Priority Mail International is usually 6–10 business days, and Priority Mail Express International is typically 3–5 business days. Actual times depend on destination country and customs processing.
How long does it take to mail a letter to Europe?
First Class International mail to Western Europe typically takes 10-14 business days. Priority Mail International takes 6-10 days. Priority Mail Express International can deliver in 3-5 days to major European cities.
Why is my international mail taking so long?
International mail delays are commonly caused by customs processing in the destination country, which can add days or weeks. Other factors include holidays, weather, airline capacity issues, and backlogs at international mail facilities. See our international tracking guide for more details.
Does USPS guarantee international delivery times?
Only eligible Priority Mail Express International shipments to select destinations offer a money-back guarantee if delivery is delayed. First Class Mail International and Priority Mail International delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed by USPS.
What is the fastest way to send mail internationally?
Priority Mail Express International is USPS's fastest international service (3-5 days). For even faster delivery (1-3 days), consider private carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, though they are significantly more expensive.
How early should I mail international packages for Christmas?
For Christmas delivery, mail First Class International by late November (4+ weeks early), Priority Mail International by early December (3 weeks early), and Express International by mid-December (2 weeks early). Check USPS holiday mailing deadlines annually.
Related Guides
- How to Send First Class Mail International
- How to Send Priority Mail International
- How USPS International Tracking Works
- What You Cannot Mail Internationally
- USPS Domestic Mail Delivery Times
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