GN 02605.915:
Foreign Postal Codes
Effective Dates: 05/05/2005 - Present- Effective Dates: 06/05/2018 - Present
TN 24 (05-05)- TN 33 (06-18)
GN 02605.915 Foreign Postal Zone Numbers- GN 02605.915 Foreign Postal Codes
A. Introduction- A. Introduction to Foreign Postal Codes
As in the United States, many foreign postal systems rely on postal zone numbers as a means of sorting mail for speedy delivery. Except as indicated below, show foreign postal zone numbers only if available from the file or if provided by the beneficiary.- Like the U.S. postal system, most foreign postal systems rely on postal codes to sort mail for fast delivery. Show foreign postal codes only if available from the file or if the beneficiary provides one, unless instructed differently below. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) website provides a list of foreign postal codes. The UPU has 192 member countries, including the United States, and is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The UPU website is a source to obtain the correct foreign postal code. To access the UPU website use this link: (http://www.upu.int/en/resources/postcodes/looking-up-a-postcode/list-of-sites-by-country.html).
B. Description of the Belgium Postal Zone Number System- Select the country name, and then select ‘Search for a postcode’. Following are guidelines on entering postal codes for some specific foreign locations.
The Belgium postal zone number system is composed of a four digit number which is shown before every locality having a post office.- B. Description of the Belgian Postal Codes
The “Liste Des Numeros Postaux” (List of Postal Numbers) is issued by the Belgian postal authorities and is housed in the OIO Library. This directory contains the zone number for each postal office in Belguim. Operating personnel should make an effort to locate the postal zone number from the Belgian Postal Directory for all material concerning Belgium. If the correct number is uncertain do not show any number.- The Belgian postal system uses four-digit postal codes. A Belgian address for any locality with a post office shows the four-digit number before the name of the locality, on the same line. Example:
C. Description of the Canadian Postal Code- First and Last Name
The Canadian Postal Code consists of six alphabetical (A) and numerical (N) characters as follows:* ANA NAN where “A” represents a letter of the alphabet and “N” represents a number. There is always a space between the first three characters and the last three characters.- Street and Address Number
Postal codes are listed in the Canadian postal directories which are divided by geographic region and province. All efforts should be made to locate the correct postal code for all awards and changes of address. However, do not show a code if the correct one cannot be found. The postal code must be shown as the only entry on the last line of address followed by the consular code:* John Doe- Postal Code and City
23 Poole St.- BELGIUM
Norval ON Canada- Locate the Belgian postal code from the Belgian postal system website via the UPU website. The Belgian postal system webpages are in French and Flemish (Belgian Dutch), but require no special foreign language skill. The French term for locality is ‘localité’, and the French term for postal code is ‘code postal’.
L0P 1K0 953- If you know the locality and need to know the corresponding postal code, enter the locality, and the postal code(s) for that locality will appear. This webpage also has links to .pdf webpages that provide lists of postal codes by code, alphabetically by locality name, and by province. If the correct code is uncertain do not show any code.
NOTE: When preparing computer input always underline the alphabetical characters in the postal code so that the SSADARS operators and ODO keyers will not key a numerical character in error. For example, the code in the above address would be shown as L , P , and K .- C. Description of the Canadian Postal Codes
D. Description of the German Postal Code- The Canadian postal system uses postal codes consisting of six alphabetical (A) and numerical (N) characters as follows:
- * There is always a space between the first three characters and the last three characters.
- * ANA NAN where “A” represents a letter of the alphabet and “N” represents a number.
1. Background- Locate Canadian postal codes by street address, locality, and province from the Canadian postal system website via the UPU website. Make every effort to locate the correct postal code for all awards and changes of address. However, do not show a code if you cannot locate the correct one. The postal code is the only entry on the last line of the address, followed by the consular code on the same line. Example:
German postal codes are five digits, possibly prefixed by "DE-" (for Deutschland, formerly just "D"). Prior to 1991 (the union of DDR and the Bundesrepublik), the prefixes for the 4-digit codes were "D-" (for the Federal Republic (West)), and "DDR-" (for the Democratic Republic (East)). Then, in the united Federal Republic, the prefixes were "O-" (for East) and "W-" (for West), to distinguish the conflicting 4-digit postcodes of East and West. Then on July 1, 1993, a new comprehensive Germany-wide 5-digit system took effect and all the German addresses in all the databases in the world had to be converted.- First and Last Name
2. Country Prefix D- or De-- Number and Street
The country prefix (D- or DE-) is not used for internal mail, and should no longer be used for mail to Germany; therefore, always omit the prefix in German addresses.- Town/City Province Canada
3. Cities, Towns, Villages, and Hamlets- ANA NAN
Under the German Postal System each city, town, village, and hamlet is given a 5-digit postal code which must be shown in all correspondence. The number is placed in front of the city, town, village, or hamlet to which the correspondence is addressed.- D. Description of the German Postal Codes
4. Postal Number not Provided- The German postal system uses five-digit numeric postal codes. Each city, town, village, and hamlet has a postal code. Example:
When the postal number is not provided by the beneficiary or claimant, it will be obtained by reference to the “Das Postleitzahlen” which is housed in the OIO library. The individual preparing the letter or input form will be responsible for indicating the correct zone number.-
E. Description of the Italian Postal Zone System- First and Last Name
Under the Italian Postal Zone system each city is assigned a five digit serial number which must be shown on all correspondence. The number is placed in front of the city to which the correspondence is addressed.- Street and Address Number
The “Testo Unico Del Codice Di Avviamento Postale” which is issued by the Italian postal authorities and is housed in the OIO Library contains the postal zone numbers for each city. Operating personnel should make an effort to locate the postal zone number from the Italian Postal Directory for all material concerning Italy. If the correct number is uncertain do not show any number.- Postal Code and City
F. Description of the Mexican Postal Zone Number System- GERMANY
The Mexican Postal Zone number system is composed of a five digit number. The postal zone number should be the first entry on the next to the last line of address and should only be shown if available from the file or if provided by the beneficiary.-
IMPORTANT NOTE: Under no circumstances should the Mexican postal zone number be shown anywhere on the last line of address. Checks which are sent to Mexico are airmailed by the U.S. postal authorities. If the Mexican postal zone numbers were entered on the last line of the address the check would be misrouted as the Mexican postal zone number would be interpreted as a U.S. ZIP code.- Postal code not provided
G. Description of the Philippine Postal Zone System- When the beneficiary or claimant does not provide the postal code, refer to the UPU website in GN 02605.915A in this section to find the correct postal code. The person preparing the letter or input form will provide the correct postal code. Show the postal code in all written correspondence. Enter the postal code before the named city, town, village, or hamlet in the address, on the same line.
1. General Information- E. Description of Italian Postal Codes
Under the Philippine postal zone system each post office is assigned a four digit number which is shown after the name of the province. The first two digits represent the province and the last two represent the Post Office within the province. The postal zone number should not be shown on the same line as “Philippines.” If this occurs, place the province's name and the postal zone number in a separate line of address.- The Italian postal system assigns each city a five-digit postal code. Show the postal code on all Italian correspondence. Enter the postal code in front of the named city in the address, on the same line. A two-letter provincial code follows the named city. Example:
2. Philippine Postal Directory- First and Last Name
Operating personnel will locate the postal zone number from the Philippine Postal Directory for all material concerning the Philippines. If the correct postal zone number cannot be determined, do not show any number.- Street and Address Number
H. Description of the Swiss Postal Zone Number System- Postal Code and Village/Town/City and Two-Letter Provincial Code
1. General Information- ITALY
The Swiss postal zone number system is composed of a four digit number which is shown before every locality having a post office.- Locate the postal code and the provincial code from the Italian postal system website via the UPU website. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code.
2. Verzeichnis Der Postleitzahlen- F. Description of Mexican Postal Codes
The “Verzeichnis Der Postleitzahlen” (Directory of Postal Zone Numbers), which was issued by the Swiss Postal Office Department and is housed in the OIO Library, contains the zone number for each post office in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Smaller towns which have no post office are not included in the directory. Operating personnel should make an effort to locate the postal zone number for all material concerning Switzerland and Liechtenstein. If the correct number is uncertain, do not show any number.- The Mexican postal code is a five-digit number. The postal code should be the first entry on the next to the last line of the address. Only show the postal code if it is available in the file or if the beneficiary provides it. A three-letter state code (or the abbreviation ‘CDMX’ for Mexico City) follows the name of the locality. Example:
I. Description of Former Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia Postal System- First and Last Name
The country names for the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are as follows:- Street and Address Number
Serbia and MontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaCroatiaMacedoniaSlovenia- Postal Code and Village/Town/City, Three-Letter State Code (or CDMX for Mexico City)
1. Spanish (Spain-Modern Sort) Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Sarajevo, Belgrade- MEXICO
‘Bosnia and Herzegovina’ and ‘Serbia and Montenegro’ require a 5 digit postal code before the city. The postal code for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is 71000. The postal code for Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro is 11000.- IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not, under any circumstances, show the Mexican postal code on the last line of the address. The U.S. postal authorities airmail checks to Mexico, and can misroute a check if the Mexican postal code is on the last line of the address, since the postal code looks like a U.S. ZIP code.
2. Slovenia and Ljubljana- G. Description of Philippines Postal Codes
Slovenia requires a 4 digit postal code. The postal code for Ljubljana, Slovenia is 1000.- 1. General Information about Philippines Postal Codes
3. Croatia and Macedonia- Under the Philippines postal system, each post office has a four-digit code. The first two digits represent the province and the last two digits represent the post office within the province. Example:
Postal codes are recommended but not required for Croatia or Macedonia. Postal codes for Macedonia are 4 digits in length. The postal code for Skopje, Macedonia is 1000. The postal code for Zagreb, Croatia is 10000. Operating personnel should make an effort to locate the postal zone number for Croatia and Macedonia. If the correct number is uncertain, do not show any number.- First and Last Name
- Address Number and Building Number
- Street and Village/Town/City/Suburb
- Postal Code and Name of Province or Metropolitan Area
- PHILIPPINES
- 2. Postal Code Not Provided
- When the beneficiary or claimant does not provide the postal code, refer to the UPU website in GN 02605.915A in this section to find the correct postal code. Enter the Philippines postal code before the name of the province, on a different line from “Philippines.” The province's name and the postal code should be on a separate line of the address. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code.
- H. Description of Swiss (Switzerland) and Liechtenstein Postal Codes
- 1. General Information about Swiss and Liechtenstein Postal Codes
- Swiss and Liechtenstein postal codes are four-digit numbers. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Town/City
- SWITZERLAND
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Town/City
- LIECHTENSTEIN
- 2. Postal Code Not Provided
- When the beneficiary or claimant does not provide the postal code, please refer to the UPU website in GN 02605.915A in this section to find the correct postal code through the search feature on the Swiss postal service website. This is in English, as well as other languages. Locate the postal code for all Swiss and Liechtenstein addresses. Enter the code before every locality that has a post office. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code.
- I. Countries of the Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia-Postal Codes
- The names of the countries that emerged from the break-up of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are as follows:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Slovenia
- Croatia
- Macedonia (the former Yugoslav Republic of)
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Kosovo
- If possible, obtain the postal codes for locations in these countries from their postal system websites via the UPU website in GN 02605.915A in this section. Postal codes for their capital cities are below.
- 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Enter the five-digit postal code before the name of the location in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo. The postal code for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is 71000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Village/Town/City
- BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA
- 2. Slovenia
- Enter the four-digit postal code before the name of the location in Slovenia. The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana. The postal code for Ljubljana, Slovenia is 1000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Village/Town/City
- SLOVENIA
- 3. Croatia
- Enter the five-digit postal code before the name of the location in Croatia. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb. The postal code for Zagreb, Croatia is 10000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Village/Town/City
- CROATIA
- 4. Macedonia (the former Yugoslav Republic of)
- Enter the four-digit postal code before the name of the location in Macedonia. The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. Postal codes for Skopje, Macedonia begin with 1000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Village/Town/City
- Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
- 5. Montenegro
- Enter the five-digit postal code before the name of the location in Montenegro. The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica. The postal code for Podgorica, Montenegro is 81000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Postal Code and Village/Town/City
- MONTENEGRO
- 6. Serbia
- Enter the five-digit post office code before the name of the post office location in Serbia. On the next line, enter ‘PAK’ followed by the six-digit postal code. The capital of Serbia is Belgrade. The post office codes for Belgrade, Serbia start with 11, followed by three digits. If a correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Name of Village/Town/City
- Post Office Code and Post Office Location
- PAK and Postal Code
- SERBIA
- 7. Kosovo
- Enter the five-digit postal code before the name of the location in Kosovo. The capital of Kosovo is Pristina. The postal code for Pristina, Kosovo is 10000. If the correct code is uncertain, do not show any code. Example:
- First and Last Name
- Street and Address Number
- Name of Village/Town/Suburb
- Postal Code and City
- KOSOVO
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