Living overseas with the military means figuring out how to get your favorite products shipped to you. Here's what you need to know about using Amazon with your APO address.

Can Amazon Ship to Your Military Address?

Let me clear this up right away - yes, Amazon does ship to APO (Army Post Office) addresses. 

This is huge news if you're stationed overseas and missing your favorite American products.

But there's a catch. 

Not everything in Amazon's massive catalog can make it to your APO mailbox.

According to Amazon's official help page, they ship most items to military addresses, but certain product categories face restrictions. 

The big ones you'll run into are:

• Standalone lithium batteries (though electronics with batteries already installed are usually fine)

• Certain electronics and camera equipment

• Some health and personal care products

• Various apparel items

• Selected tools and hardware

These restrictions come from USPS regulations, not Amazon being difficult. 

Since all APO mail goes through the US Postal Service, their rules apply.

I've noticed Amazon's system is pretty good about telling you when something won't ship. 

You'll see an error message at checkout if your cart contains restricted items. 

This saves you from the disappointment of placing an order only to have it canceled later.

Back in 2020, many military families reported serious problems with Amazon shipping during the early pandemic. 

Military.com covered this issue extensively, with many families suddenly finding themselves cut off from their usual supply chain. 

Thankfully, these widespread issues have been resolved, though individual product restrictions remain.

Setting Up Your APO Address Correctly

Getting your address format right is crucial. One small mistake can send your package into the void or back to Amazon.

Here's how to set up your address on Amazon, based on USPS military mailing guidelines:

1. Enter the recipient's full name

2. Add the unit and box number in the address line

3. Set the city as "APO" (or "FPO" for Fleet Post Office, "DPO" for diplomatic mail)

4. For state, this is where it gets tricky:

   • Use "AE" for Europe, Canada, Middle East, or Africa

   • Use "AP" for the Pacific region

   • Use "AA" for the Americas

5. Always set the country as "United States" regardless of where you're actually located

6. Include the correct ZIP code for your specific APO location

Here's what a properly formatted address looks like:

John Doe

Unit 1234, Box 5678

APO, AE 09014

United States

The most common mistake I see people make is putting the actual country (like Germany or Japan) instead of "United States." 

This messes up Amazon's system because APO addresses are treated as domestic US mail, even though they're going overseas.

Your ZIP code matters too. According to USA.gov's military address guidelines, different APO locations have specific ZIP codes that help route your mail properly. 

Make sure yours is correct.

How Long Will Shipping Take?

This is where patience becomes your best friend. 

Standard shipping to APO addresses typically takes 21-45 business days.

Why so long? A few reasons:

1. Amazon must use USPS for APO deliveries - no UPS, FedEx, or Amazon's own delivery service

2. Your package goes through military postal systems which adds extra steps

3. Depending on your location, customs may inspect your package

A military spouse shared on Reddit that their Amazon deliveries to Germany took about 4 weeks - right in the middle of that expected timeframe.

Prime membership benefits get a bit murky with APO shipping. 

While you still get free shipping, the famous two-day delivery doesn't apply. According to Amazon customer discussions, Prime's main benefit for APO customers is the free shipping, not the speed.

Holiday seasons make everything slower. I recommend ordering holiday gifts by early November to ensure they arrive in time.

When Amazon Won't Ship: Your Alternatives

Sometimes you'll find exactly what you want on Amazon, only to discover it won't ship to your APO address. Don't worry, you've got options:

1. Military exchanges online: The Army and Air Force Exchange Service ships to APO addresses and carries many popular items.

2. Other retailers: According to a comprehensive list from Veteran.com, stores like Target, Walmart, and Bath & Body Works ship to military addresses, though each has its own restrictions.
   Package forwarding services: Companies like ShipItAPO provide you with a US address, then forward packages to your APO address. This works for items Amazon won't ship directly, though you'll pay extra fees.

3. Friends and family: Sometimes the easiest solution is having someone stateside purchase the item and ship it to you.

The Exchange often gets overlooked, but it's improved dramatically in recent years. 

Their online catalog has expanded significantly, and they understand military shipping needs perfectly.

Recent Updates to Amazon's APO Shipping Policy

As of March 2025, Amazon's basic APO shipping policy remains consistent with what they established years ago. 

There haven't been major changes since the pandemic-related disruptions in 2020.

That said, individual product eligibility can change without notice. Items that shipped to APO addresses last month might not qualify today. 

This inconsistency is frustrating but seems to be related to inventory source changes rather than policy shifts.

Some military families have reported on r/amazonprime that certain third-party sellers on Amazon refuse APO shipments even when similar products ship fine. 

Your best bet is always checking at checkout.

Final Thoughts

Shopping on Amazon while stationed overseas comes with challenges, but it's absolutely doable with the right approach. 

Format your address correctly, plan for longer shipping times, and have backup options for restricted items.

I'd love to hear your experiences with APO shipping. What's worked for you?

Disclaimer: This article provides practical insights based on research and experience but isn't official guidance from Amazon or military postal services. Policies may change, so always verify current information when placing important orders.