Postage to the UAE from the UK
How much it costs to send a letter, large letter or small parcel to the UAE, how long it takes and what you need to know about customs.
Letter£3.60
Large letterfrom £4.60
Small parcelfrom £15.25
Typical delivery5-7 days
The UAE has a large British community. Because street addresses can be less precise, a P.O. Box or a phone number makes a big difference. For valuable items, use a tracked service or courier.
| Size | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | Up to 100g | £3.60 |
| Large Letter | Up to 100g | £4.60 |
| Large Letter | 100g-250g | £8.15 |
| Large Letter | 250g-500g | £11.45 |
| Large Letter | 500g-750g | £19.60 |
| Small Parcel | Up to 250g | £15.25 |
| Small Parcel | 250g-500g | £22.20 |
| Small Parcel | 500g-750g | £26.10 |
| Small Parcel | 750g-1kg | £30.15 |
| Small Parcel | 1kg-1.25kg | £33.65 |
| Small Parcel | 1.25kg-1.5kg | £36.20 approx. |
| Small Parcel | 1.5kg-2kg | £40.75 approx. |
Prices from 5 October 2026, last checked 1 October 2026. Prices marked approx. are our best estimate – confirm with the carrier before paying.
How to address post to the UAE
Many UAE addresses don't use postcodes; include a P.O. Box number if the recipient has one, plus the emirate (e.g. DUBAI), then UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
Things to know about posting to the UAE
- Include the recipient's phone number - it's often essential for delivery.
- Some medicines, e-cigarettes and certain publications are restricted.
- Many residents use P.O. Boxes rather than street delivery.
General tips
- Put UAE in capitals as the last line of the address.
- For goods, fill in the customs declaration with an accurate description, value and quantity.
- International Standard is not tracked. If the item is valuable, choose a tracked service or a courier.
- Heavier parcels (over 2kg) need a courier or Royal Mail's International Tracked or Parcelforce services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to send a letter to the UAE?
A standard letter up to 100g costs £3.60 with Royal Mail International Standard.
How much is it to post a small parcel to the UAE?
A small parcel starts at £15.25 for up to 250g, rising to £30.15 for 1kg with Royal Mail International Standard.
How long does post to the UAE take?
Royal Mail aims to deliver International Standard post to the UAE in around 5-7 working days, but it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a customs form to send a parcel to the UAE?
Yes, if you are sending goods or gifts. You can complete the customs declaration online when you buy postage, or at the Post Office counter. Documents and letters do not need one.