Post Office Tightens P.O. Box Rules to Boost Security, Combat Illegal Shipments

New policy limits sharing, expands e-box access as officials push for accountability and e-commerce readiness

By: L.N. Reklai

KOROR, Palau (March 26, 2026) — “We are trying to be as efficient and accessible so the public can be in line with the rest of the world in e-commerce,” said Post Master Santi Asanuma of the new policy that will take effect on June 1, 2026.

The Republic of Palau Postal Service will enforce the new policy restricting the use and sharing of post office boxes in an effort to strengthen mail security, combat illegal shipments and modernize postal operations.

Under the directive, P.O. boxes registered to businesses, government agencies and non-government organizations may only be used for official correspondence. Personal use of those boxes will be prohibited.

The policy also bars individuals 18 and older from sharing P.O. boxes, with limited exceptions for legally married couples and minor children under 18.

Postmaster General Santi Asanuma said the changes are driven by longstanding challenges, including lost mail, disputes over shared boxes and concerns about contraband entering the country.

“Before, there were only 2,825 boxes and people were forced to share,” Asanuma said. “Now we have about 5,000 e-boxes, and only a small portion are currently in use. We have the capacity to meet demand.”  The 5,000 e-boxes are already registered in the United States Postal Service System.

Officials said the expanded availability of electronic post office boxes—known as e-boxes—will allow more residents to maintain individual accounts, improving accountability and reducing the number of hands mail passes through before reaching recipients.

Surech Bells, operations manager at the Palau Post Office, said the policy is not expected to increase mail volume or slow operations.

“It’s the same people currently sharing boxes who will now separate,” Bells said. “This does not increase the amount of mail processed or affect the flow.”

Postal officials also cited efforts to digitize services and align with global e-commerce standards as key motivations behind the directive. Asanuma said a more efficient and accessible system will help Palau residents better participate in online commerce while supporting law enforcement efforts to track suspicious shipments.

For short-term visitors, the post office will continue offering general delivery services for up to 90 days. Mail can be addressed to “Koror, Palau 96940, General Delivery,” and collected in person. Those staying longer must apply for a P.O. box.

E-boxes are available for $60 per year, and applications are expected to be offered online.

Despite the stated benefits, the policy has prompted questions and concerns from the public.

Some residents worry about practical requirements tied to employment and education. A Palauan student studying overseas said scholarship applications often require a local P.O. box address, raising concerns about compliance under the new rules.

Another questions the very specific requirement that adults sharing a box number must be legally married.  How about partners living together but are not married?  Will they be required individually to bring marriage certificate when applying for a box number?

Others questioned whether they must secure a box before applying for jobs that require a mailing address. One resident said she currently uses her parents’ box and is unsure how the new restrictions will affect her application process.

There are also concerns about service reliability. One resident who signed up for an e-box said notifications about incoming mail have been inconsistent.

“If more people sign up, will they still notify us?” she asked.

Postal officials acknowledged the concerns but said the changes are necessary to improve efficiency, security and accountability across the system.

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