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HM Forces Mail

Send letters or packets to a member of the armed forces using Royal Mail’s HM Forces Mail, HM Forces Recorded Signed For and HM Forces Special Delivery.

Sending HM Forces Mail

Seal the edges of large letters and packages with good quality adhesive tape and use the special BFPO form of address.

Do not write the country of destination for BFPO addresses.

Sending HM Forces Special Delivery

If you're sending something valuable to loved ones in the forces overseas, you want to know it's going to get there safely. That's when HM Forces Special Delivery™ can help. This service provides a signature on delivery and compensation for loss of or damage to valuables (including what we consider to be money and jewellery, which you can only send by Special Delivery™).  It is only available to and from BFPO numbered addresses. Advice of delivery is not available.

Use your own envelope to send Special Delivery™ items to HM Forces overseas, but you must send items containing money or jewellery in Special Delivery™ prepaid envelopes, which are available from your local Post Office® branch.

If you are sending important mail to an address without a BFPO number you should use International Signed For™ or Airsure®

When sending HM Forces Mail, the same maximum size dimensions that apply to Royal Mail’s international services also apply.  These are smaller than Royal Mail’s domestic size limits and are as follows:

  Minimum size Maximum size
Letter or Packet One surface at least 9cm x 14cm Length, width and depth combined - 90cm
Greatest single dimension - 60cm
Roll Length plus twice diameter - 17cm.
Shortest single dimension - 10cm		 Length plus twice diameter - 104cm. Length - 90cm
Postcard 9cm x 14cm 12cm x 23.5cm

No need for an Airmail sticker

Mail you send to BFPO numbered addresses does not require an Airmail sticker.

Temporary BFPO numbers

From time to time, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) may introduce or withdraw concessionary mail facilities at short notice. To check the current situation, please check the BFPO website or call the BFPO Customer Care Unit on 08457 697978.

Free Airletters (or Blueys)

Forces Airletters (or Blueys) are available from Post Offices®.  These may be sent free of charge to Forces personnel on operational duty and have to be paid for when sent to all other BFPO addresses. The MoD regulates this service, and may change the BFPO numbers eligible to receive the free Blueys at its discretion.
 
For details of BFPO locations that qualify for free Airletters go to

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/BFPO/Endur...

BFPO addresses

When sending HM Forces mail, you will need to obtain the BFPO address at the location of the person you are sending to. Please do not add the country of destination or any form of postcode to the BFPO address, and make sure all letters and packages are sealed with good, strong adhesive tape.

Customs

For all BFPO destinations where mail contains goods (regardless of value and whether the BFPO destination is within the EU), please attach a signed CN22 Customs declaration to the outside of the item.

HM Customs and Excise pays particular attention to all HM Forces Mail, arriving in or leaving the UK.  It is important that the sender correctly fills in and signs the declaration on Customs label CN22 or CN23.  Local Customs authorities at overseas bases may also have the right to examine mail addressed to HM Forces and may make charges under local regulations. 

For more information read our Customs information or ask at your local Post Office® branch.

Improved targeting

Many businesses use HM Forces Mail to target their products and services at Forces personnel. Home Shopping and financial services companies are just two of the sectors that currently use this service to good effect.
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