Poste restante: United Kingdom Fairly reliable

Poste Restante ยท Royal Mail / Post Office

In short. United Kingdom: poste restante is called โ€œPoste Restanteโ€ and is run by Royal Mail / Post Office. A letter is held: 18 days (21 if posted from abroad). Cost: Free. ID document: required.

Example address

Ms Camille DUPONT
POSTE RESTANTE
Name of the Post Office
Full address of the Post Office
POSTCODE
UNITED KINGDOM

Greyed out: replace with your own details. Write the rest exactly as shown.

Holding period, cost and tips

Held for
18 days (21 if posted from abroad)
Cost
Free
ID document
Required

Free at participating Post Offices.

  • Only some branches offer the service: check with the branch before sending.
  • Can be used for 3 months maximum in the same town. Put a return address on the back.
  • Foreign visitor: passport. Resident: passport + proof of address.
  • The service can be withdrawn in case of abuse, sometimes without notice.

The holding period, the cost and the address format are confirmed by an official page.

Source: Royal Mail / Post Office โ†—