Here you will find the latest UK & global mail service updates and a list of upcoming worldwide public holidays. This is updated throughout the week with latest information available.
UK Service Updates
We are currently experiencing no collection issues with regards to UK mail or parcel deliveries but in some instances we have experienced delays to the processing and/or delivery of UK mail and courier items as a result of high volumes in the respective networks.
International Service Updates
GENERAL UPDATE – The closure of Russian airspace is causing delays to transport routes, especially to those in the far east. There are also severe delays at both sides of the Channel Tunnel due to extremely high demand and a reduced service which is affecting parcel deliveries both to and from Europe. Delays are also being seen to numerous destinations as a result of current flight capacity or destination handling issues.
POST-BREXIT EU TRANSPORT/CLEARANCE UPDATE – A number of our suppliers (both postal and courier) are reporting issues with regards to road transport and clearance at the EU border. This is causing delays and a number of suppliers are now charging additional EU clearance fees. If you require any additional information or if you would like to talk to our team to see how this may affect you, please contact or Client Service Team on +44 (0)1444 871111 or via e-mail on [email protected].
Australia – Mail and parcels to the areas southeast Australia and Tasmania may be delayed due to severe weather conditions. Expected delay 2-3 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/09/24)
Belarus – Due to flying restrictions to Belarus, the country is currently only available via road. This results in a delay of approximately 14 days. As soon as flying is possible again, the transit time will be back to normal. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/05/22)
Brazil – Mail and parcels with destination Brazil are expected to be delayed due to capacity issues at the Brazilian customs office and Correios Brazil. Expected delays can more than 21 days. Ongoing (issue start date: November 2023 – updated: 11/04/24)
Canada – Mail parcels with destination Canada delivered by Canada Post may be delayed due to a national strike from Friday, 15th November. The end date of the strike is unknown, but will be monitored closely.
UPDATE: There has been no movement of mail within Canada since the 15th November and and from the 27th November, no mail may be sent to Canada due to the scale of the backlog. Any mail already within Canada is being held in containers and will be released on a first-in, first-out basis once the strike ends. Any mail to Canada not sent before the 27th November will be processed and held at our facility until the strike ends or we receive alternative instructions. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/11/24 – updated 04/12/24)
Colombia – The Mail and parcels to Colombia are expected to be delayed due to capacity issues at Colombia Post and the airport. We have been informed delays can be in excess of 21 days. Ongoing (issue start date: July 2023 – updated 16/07/24)
Eritrea – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
France – Mail and parcels to France may experience delays as a a result of planned industrial action on Thursday 5th December by various Public Sector Unions. Details of the industrial action have not been fully disclosed, however it is expected that this will cause disruption to major cities across the country. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/12/2025)
French Polynesia – A strike, of unknown duration, has been underway across the Polynesian postal network since Thursday, 25th July 2024. Mail to and from French Polynesia has been significantly disrupted since that date. Ongoing (issue start date: 25/07/2024)
Georgia – Mail and parcels to Georgia may be delayed due to an internal reorganisation at Georgian Post. Expected delay: 1-3 days. Ongoing (issue start date: June 2024)
Greece – Mail and parcels with destination Greece are expected to be delayed due to capacity issues at Hellenic Post. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Greece – Hellenic Post ELTA (GR) would like to advise that the Confederation of the Greek workers and the Association of the Civil Servants have announced a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, the 20th of November. Ongoing (issue start date: 19/11/24)
Haiti – A lack of air transport to Haiti and the local situation is affecting the delivery of mail and parcels to this destination. At the current, mail to Haiti is suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: March 2024)
Iceland – An unseasonal storm has hit Iceland resulting in the ring road around the country to be closed in the northern part and south-eastern part of the country – delays should be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 03/06/24)
Israel – Mail and parcels to Israel may be delayed due to the current local situation. This previously communicated disruption is still relevant and the expected delay increased to more than 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/09/23 – updated 13/08/24)
Italy – Mail and parcels to certain areas in Italy may be delayed due to floods. The affected areas are Emilia-Romagna and part of Marche. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/09/24)
Italy – Mail and parcels with destination Italy may be delayed due to a general strike in Italy on Friday 29th November. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/11/24)
Italy – Mail and parcels to Italy delivered may be delayed due to capacity issues at Poste Italiane. Expected delay 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 03/11/23 – updated 30/07/24)
Kazakhstan – KazPost, informs that severe weather conditions caused floods in the regions of Aktobe, Kostanay, Akmola, Atyrau and North Kazakhstan, with 20 local emergency situations declared within the flood zone since 29 March 2024. As a result, the collection and delivery of all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) were disrupted for postal codes 02****, 03****, 06****, 09****, 11**** and 15****. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/04/24)
Laos – Lao Post Company Limited, informs that, owing to the passage of super typhoon Yagi on 9 September 2024, severe flooding has occurred in various northern parts of Lao People’s Dem. Rep. In particular, the severe weather has caused significant disruption to postal operations in Luang Namtha province, where all inbound and outbound mail services (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) are currently suspended. The affected postcode is 03000. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/09/24)
Libya – All mail services to Libya are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/07/14)
Malta – Mail and parcels with destination Malta are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Expected delay 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Malaysia – Mail and parcels to certain areas of Malaysia may be delayed due to floods. The affected regions are Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan with postal area codes 05XXX, 06XXX, 21XXX, 22XXX, 23XXX, 24XXX, 16XXX, 17XXX and 18XXX. Expected delay: 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/2024)
Mexico – Mail and parcels with destination Mexico are expected to be delayed due to transport issues at the Mexican postal network and backlogs. Expected delay 14-21 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/05/23 – updated 11/04/24)
New Caledonia – The Office of Posts and Telecommunications (OPT-NC), France’s designated operator for New Caledonia, informs that New Caledonia is currently experiencing riots and large-scale road blockages. As a result, OPT-NC is obliged to suspend its transport and delivery operations mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). Ongoing (issue start date: 17/05/24)
Niger – A lack of air transport to Niger is affecting the delivery of mail and parcels to this destination. Ongoing (issue start date: March 2024)
North Korea – Destination North Korea is closed due to transport issues. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/09/22)
Poland – Mail and parcels to Poland may be delayed due to operational issues at Polish Post. Expected delay: 1-3 days. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Portugal – Mail and parcels to certain regions in Portugal may be delayed due to wildfires. The affected regions are Porto, Braga, Viana do Castelo and Aveiro. Expected delay: 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 17/09/24)
Russia – Mail and parcels to Russia continue to be delayed due to the closed airspace. The current allowed setup is causing a much longer transit time to reach this country of destination. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Saudi Arabia – The delivery of mail and parcels to Saudi Arabia is experiencing delays due to lack of processing capacity at Saudi Post. Expected delays: 1-2 weeks. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Saudi Arabia – It has been advised that, with immediate effect, Saudi Arabian Customs has introduced some changes for all Non-Document shipments sent to Saudi Arabia. All B2C shipments that contain materials other than documents/printed matter will require the Consignee’s ID number. Where this is not provided, the parcel may be delayed in clearing customs until the ID number is obtained from the consignee. All B2B shipments of non-document materials will require a Commercial Registration Form from the consignee. This will be requested from the consignee when arriving in the country and upon receipt of the form, the parcel can be cleared through customs. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/04/16)
Serbia – Mail and parcels with destination Serbia are expected to be delayed due to staffing issues at Public Enterprise Post of Serbia. Expected delays: 1-3 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/11/23)
Somalia – All mail services to Somalia are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
South Africa – Mail and parcels with destination South Africa may be delayed due to capacity issues at our postal partner South African Post Office. Expected delay: 10-14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: May 2024)
Spain – Correos y Telégrafos, would like to provide an update on the situation following the torrential rains on 29 October 2024. The areas still affected are in the province of Valencia (46XXX postcodes), which saw great damage and destruction to homes and businesses. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/10/24 – updated 18/11/24)
Syria – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
Thailand – We have been infomred that he country is experiencing heavy rains and massive flooding. The postal network has been severely affected and some post offices have been closed. Several roads are also inaccessible to traffic, delaying the delivery of letter and parcel post and EMS. The affected areas are in the following postcode ranges (as of 1st December 2024):
PERMAISURI 22100, 21450, 22050, 22110 & 22030, SUNGAI TONG 21500, 21050, AIR PUTEH 24050 ,24020 ,24030 ,24010, JERTEH 22010 ,22000 ,22200 ,22300, KUALA BERANG 21700-21800, DUNGUN 23000 ,23200, KERTEH 24300 ,24200, JERTEH 22010, KUALA TERENGGANU 20050, 20100, 21020, 21060, 21070, 21100, 21200, CHUKAI 24000, 24010, 24020, 24050
PAKA 23100, PENDANG 06700, AOR 05050, 05100, 05250, JITRA 06000, 06200, KUALA NERANG 06300, JITRA 06300, 06400, KETEREH 16450, KOTA BHARU 16010, KUBANG KERIAN 16150, BACHOK 16300, 16020, 16070, 16090, 16050, KUALA KRAI 18000, PASIR PUTEH 16800, MACHANG 16600, 18400, 18500, TANAH MERAH 17500, RANTAU PANJANG 17200
MELOR 16400, 16810, PASIR MAS 17010, 17000, 17020, 17030. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/12/24)
USA – The majority of postal operations have returned to normal with effect from 29 October 2024. However, postal operations continue to be disrupted in the following postcode areas: 27006–28909 (North Carolina), 38501–38589 (Tennessee), 30401–30999 and 31501–31699 (Georgia), 33501–34997 (Florida). Therefore, the USPS declaration of force majeure (in effect until further notice) continues to apply to the above-listed areas, and covers USPS service and performance obligations for letter post (P, G and E format), parcels and EMS. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/09/24 – updated 11/11/24)
Vietnam – Owing to the recent passage of Typhoon Yagi, several northern Vietnamese provinces have experienced severe flooding. This has caused significant disruption to postal operations, including the delivery of international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, in the following provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Ha Noi and Hai Phong. Delays should be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/09/2024)
Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)
Upcoming Public Holidays
December 9th – Antigua & Barbuda, Falkland Islands, Peru, Tanzania, Various (Immaculate Conception Day)
December 10th – Iraq, Thailand, Kiribati, Namibia,
December 11th – Burkina Faso, India (regional), Malaysia (regional)
December 12th – India (regional), Kenya, Mexico, Turkmenistan
December 13th – Malta, St. Lucia
December 14th – Sri Lanka (regional)
December 15th – Bonaire, St. Eustatius & Saba (regional), Nepal (regional)
December 16th – Bahrain, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, South Africa
December 17th – Bahrain, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Tunisia
December 18th – Eswatini, India (regional), Kazakhstan, Niger, Qatar
December 19th – Anguilla, India (regional)
December 20th – Macau, Panama
December 21st – Sao Tome & Principe
December 22nd – Nigeria (regional), Zimbabwe
December 23rd – NLatvia, Macau, Peru (Government holiday)
December 24th – Libya, Peru (Government holiday), USA (regional – Government holiday), Various (Christmas Eve)
December 25th – Norway, Pakistan, Various (Christmas Day)
December 26th – Australia (regional), Greece, Slovenia, USA (regional – Government holiday), Various (Boxing Day, Christmas holiday, St. Stephen’s Day)
December 27th – India (regional), North Korea, Various (Christmas holiday)
December 29th – Cambodia, Mongolia
December 30th – India (regional), Latvia, Myanmar, Nepal, Peru (Government holiday), Philippines, Russia, Thailand
December 31st – Azerbaijan, East Timor, India (regional), Peru (Government holiday), Switzerland (regional), Various (New Year’s Eve)
January 1st – Cuba, Czech Republic, Haiti, Slovakia, Sudan, Taiwan, Various (New Year’s Day)
January 2nd – Bhutan, Cuba, Haiti, India (regional), Montserrat, Liechtenstein, Peru (Government holiday), Switzerland, St. Kitts & Nevis, Various (New Year’s holiday)
January 3rd – Burkina Faso, Russia
January 4th – DR Congo, Myanmar
January 7th – Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, Greece, India (regional), Iraq, Italy, Lebanon, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Various (Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas Eve)
January 8th – Kyrgyzstan, Russia
January 9th – Panama
January 10th – Bahamas, Benin
January 11th – India (regional), Morocco, Oman
January 12th – Algeria, India (regional), Tanzania, Turkmenistan
January 13th – Cape Verde, India (regional), Iran, Japan, Sri Lanka
