Philatelic Mail from Antarctica

Stamp enthusiasts sometimes collect mail from Antarctica for its unique postal markings. The U.S. National Science Foundation has a procedure to support philately (stamp collecting) at a level that does not interfere with the science mission in Antarctica.

Collectors interested in receiving mail from Antarctica may obtain a maximum of two covers (self-addressed stamped envelopes) a year by sending them to the addresses below at the three year-round U.S. Antarctic stations.

Covers will not be processed unless these guidelines are followed:

• No more than two covers per person per station per year.
• Covers will be processed for personal (noncommercial) use of individuals only.
• U.S. correspondents must use domestic first-class postage for the APO addresses and international first-class or air mail postage for the NSF Palmer Station address.
• Non-U.S. correspondents must use international first-class or airmail postage.

Processing philatelic mail is done in addition to station personnel’s regular duties, so please be patient. Delays can be up to a year or more.