International Incident Bulletin

Last updated: 3rd of December 2025

 

Welcome to our international incident bulletin; a roundup of any issues that may be impacting our parcel and letter services to and from countries around the world. We keep this information as up to date as possible, with information supplied to Royal Mail by the various foreign national postal authorities.

Service Update

Export

Customers sending items requiring a customs declaration (such as goods or gifts) internationally should purchase postage online, through shipping solutions or over the counter at Post Office branches rather than using Postage Stamps or Meters.    

In addition to the Tracking information available through the Royal Mail website, senders and recipients may be able to access additional tracking information on the destination posts webpages.

For Account Customers you can find the latest guidance and updates related to the recent American Executive Order and exporting to the USA here.

For Personal Customers you can find the latest guidance and updates related to the recent American Executive Order and exporting to the USA here.

 

Import

Import operations continue to perform a full service.  
 

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) 

ICS2 is a regulatory change required by the EU, focused on continuing to improve the security of parcels shipped internationally. It allows customs authorities to identify items which may require control earlier in the supply chain and take the appropriate action. Sending countries must provide the required parcel/customs information. This means that any item that requires a customs declaration (including gifts, samples, goods and other categories) must have the relevant customs documentation attached and associated Electronic Data must also be supplied. You can use an approved Royal Mail or Third-Party Shipping Solution where this is captured so you can continue exporting with the required compliant electronic data. From the 1st July 2023 any items containing goods that do not have mandatory data fields completed will be at risk of being delayed, returned, or even destroyed. Please see here or here for more information.
 

Recently Updated

  • Canada
  • Philippines
  • Jamaica
  • Cuba
  • Thailand
  • Venezuela
  • Angola
  • Italy
  • Sri Lanka
  • Indonesia
  • Morocco

 

Start date: 9 August 2021
Latest update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: No available route

Original Incident
There is currently no route to Afghanistan as carriers have cancelled flights since Monday 16th August 2021.

Start date: 17 November 2025
Latest update: 26 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Disruption

Angola Post have informed us that postal operations will be temporarily affected by a public administrative suspension on the 24th and 25th of November 2025 in connection with the seventh African Union–European Union Summit.

Enhanced security and road restrictions will impact on all postal operations and delays are likely to be observed as a result during this period.

Start date: 8 May 2025
Latest update: 13 June 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Customs

Please be advised that from the 8th of May any Royal Mail letter items that require customs clearance going through the Sydney gateway are likely to encounter delay due to increased customs checks

Start date: 24 September 2025
Latest update: 26 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Strike

Canada Post have informed us that an agreement in principle has been reached with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

Whilst this is progressing and as the parties work to finalize the agreements for signing all parties have agreed to suspend all strike activity.

Start date: 5 August 2025
Latest update: 12 August 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Storm and Heavy Rainfall

CapeVerde Post have informed us that following the storm and heavy rains that hit São Vicente Island on the morning of the 11th of August 2025, the post offices are temporarily closed.

The processing and delivery of all mail will be affected with delays expected as result till normal operation can resume.

Start date: 15 February 2025
Latest update: 13 March 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Handover Delays 

There are currently delays locally in Columbia due to an ongoing handover issue in the country with no end date at present. We will update once the situation improves.

Start date: 17 October 2025
Latest update: 7 November 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Hurricane Melissa

Cuban Post have informed us that following Hurricane Melissa, which recently struck the eastern provinces of Cuba there will be delays to services in the provinces of Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín and Guantánamo until further notice.

Start date: 1 March 2025
Latest update: 18 March 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Armed Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo Post have informed us that due to the ongoing conflict in the east of the country, postal operations are severely disrupted with North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri impacted.

Mail movement is severely impacted and this has led to considerable delays. The post have implemented temporary suspensions in the processing of all mail while it is actively exploring alternative solutions.

Start date: 10 September 2025
Latest update: 19 September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: System Issue

Egyptian Post have informed us that they are currently experiencing a technical issue that is affecting the receipt, processing and dispatch of mail. As a result of this disruption they are unable to operate certain systems as normal.

Delays may be observed while they work on resolving the issue.

Start date: 28 August 2023
Latest Update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Infrequent Despatch

Please note that customers currently using our Tracked Heavier services to The Falklands may experience delays. Dispatch is infrequent and longer transit times should be expected. This will also effect the tracking events which you may typically expect to see as part of this service. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Start date: 10 November 2024
Latest update: 6 January 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Service Suspension

Due to the situation in the region currently and a number of flight cancellations we are not currently able to accept traffic for this destination.

Any items already posted and in the pipeline will be returned to sender.

Start date: 6 November 2023
Latest Update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Earthquake and Volcanic Activity / Storm

Earthquake and Volcanic Activity

Icelandic Post have advised that a new volcanic eruption started just north of Grindavik in the Reykjanes peninsula on Sunday 14th January 2024.

It is deemed likely that more eruptions will occur around the town in the coming weeks, hence It is unlikely that habitants will be allowed to return to live in Grindavik in the coming weeks or months.

Iceland Post has not delivered mail in the Grindavik area since the original evacuation 13th of November 2023 and due to the area being uninhabitable it seems unlikely it will be possible to deliver mail in Grindavik in the near future. We will provide any further updates on this as they become available.

Start date: 19 November 2025
Latest update: 1 December 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Severe Weather

Indonesian Post have informed us that extreme weather conditions in the Aceh Province on the 28th and 29th November 2025 has affected road access and the distribution of postal items along several major routes.

Many major roads and bridges have been damaged and significant flooding is disrupting the movement of operational vehicles.

As a result delivery delays may be observed in affected areas where flooding and landslides occurred:-

  • Bireuen (collapsed bridges on Jalan Medan–Banda Aceh and Jalan Raya Bireuen–Takengon)
  • Lhokseumawe and Aceh Utara (several sections inaccessible owing to flooding)
  • Aceh Timur (passable only for heavy vehicles because of flooding)
  • Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, Gayo Lues (routes disconnected)
  • Aceh Tenggara (severe landslide damage)
  • Nagan Raya and Aceh Singkil (collapsed bridges and damaged roads)

Start date: 13 June 2025
Latest update: 25 June 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Middle Eastern Region

Please note that due to the current situation in the region we are still accepting items however customers should anticipate delays.

The situation is fluid and we will continue to provide further updates as we receive them.

Start date: 16 September 2021
Latest Update: 24 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs Delays 

Our service to Ireland is operating as normal. Items that require the payment of import taxes may take longer to be delivered as this is required before items are released from Irish customs.

Please note: Delivered Duties Unpaid items sent to Ireland are handled as follows:

•Where a mobile number and /or email is provided, the recipient will receive a text and / or email and a letter with the amount of tax to pay plus An Post’s processing fee.
•Where just the address has been provided, the recipient will receive a letter.

In both situations the recipient will receive instructions on how to pay and will have 16 working days to make the payment before the item is returned. The pay by date is included in the customer notification.All items are held in the Dublin Mail Centre Campus before being released, once payment is received. If payment is not received by the payment due date or the customer rejects the item then it is returned to sender.

IOSS HS Code Restrictions
The Irish Custom authority have notified us that they have relaxed their import controls on certain goods and HS codes. Customers sending items to Ireland via IOSS are advised to check the latest restricted HS Tariff codes implemented by Irish Customs. To access the list of restricted HS Tariff codes, please visit our Ireland Page.

Start date: 13 June 2025
Latest Update: 1 July 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation

Israeli Post have informed us that Israel declared a state of emergency as of Friday, the 13th June 2025 until further notice.

We have now reinstated our services to Israel but please note that due to the current situation in the region customers should anticipate delays.

The situation is fluid and we will continue to provide further updates as we receive them.

Please note at this time, we are unable to accept items addressed to Gaza or Khan Yunis and The West Bank.

Start date: 20 November 2025
Latest update: 27 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Evening Airport Closure / Strike

Post Italiane have informed us that the Cagliari - Elmas Airport will be closed during the evening for the coming weeks and until further notice.

As a result, all mail/parcels destined for the Sardinia region may be subject to delays.

Strike

Post Italiane have informed us that Italian unions have confirmed a 24-hour strike, on the 28th of November 2025 which will impact all postal activities, aviation and airport services.

As a result, there is a risk of flight cancellations, delays and disrupted airport services during or immediately after the strike.

Start date: 17 October 2025
Latest update: 1 December 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica Post have informed us that while it remains in a recovery phase following the passage of Hurricane Melissa it has resumed the acceptance and processing of international and domestic mail services.

However, delays are still to be expected as there has been severe damage to road infrastructure and telecommunication services.

Start date: 2 January 2024
Latest Update: 30th September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Earthquake

Japan Post have updated that the situation has now improved after the impact of the earthquake in January but there is still a lot of rubble in certain areas which continues to effect their operation.

The postcode areas which remain affected are 9270000 – 9289999 and delays may be experienced as result.

Start date: 13 June 2025
Latest update: 25 June 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Middle Eastern Region

Please note that due to the current situation in the region we are still accepting items however customers should anticipate delays.

The situation is fluid and we will continue to provide further updates as we receive them.

Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest Update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Infrequent Service

Please note this service is infrequent and therefore customers should expect items to take between 2-3 months to reach their final destination.

Start date: 24 February 2022
Latest Update: 6 January 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Airspace availability

Due to the situation in neighbouring Ukraine, we have been advised that Moldovan airspace is closed. We have an alternative route in place, however as this is a non-direct route please be advised that there may be short delays to the delivery of your item.

Start date: 25 November 2025
Latest update: 3 December 2025
End date: 8 December 2025
Incident: IPS Upgrade

Moroccan Post have informed us that following a migration to the new version of the International Postal System (IPS), postal operations are subject to disruption from 1 to 7 December 2025.

As a result delay may be observed during this period.

Start date: 2 September 2025
Latest update: 16 September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Civil Unrest

Nepal Post have informed us that nationwide protests held on the 7 and 8 September 2025 have resulted in severe damage to infrastructure across the country. Many government entities, including Post have been affected.

Subsequently the Post office has suspended postal operations and are currently in the process of gradually restoring their operation.

Although normal conditions have not yet been fully restored, some services are now being provided from Kathmandu and other post offices across the country with limited resources, and using temporarily established facilities as the current situation demands.

As a result, delays are likely until normal conditions resume.

Start date: 29 August 2025
Latest update: 2 September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Landslide

Norway Post have informed  that a landslide occurred near Levanger on 30 August 2025, in a geographically narrow part of the country. As a result, north-south road and rail connections are closed until further notice, dividing the country in two.

The affected postcode areas are 7600–8299 and 8600–8999. Disruption to the transportation of inbound mail to these areas from postcodes 0001–7599, as well as outbound mail from postcode areas 7600–8299 and 8600–8999, is causing a one-day delivery delay.

Start date: 20 September 2025
Latest update: 11 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Typhoon Opong / Earthquake / Typhoon Fung Wong

PhilPost have provided an update on the ongoing impact of Typhoon Opong, which made landfall in Eastern Samar on the 25 September 2025. The typhoon has affected several regions across the country and as a result, postal services in the affected areas are still facing delays in mail collection, processing and delivery until further notice.

The affected areas are:-

Antique, Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, Samar, Bicol, Biliran Negros Occidental, Aklan, Masbate, Zamboanga City, and Northern Cebu. The entire Eastern, Central and Western Visayas regions and the city of Baguio

Earthquake

PhilPost has informed us that a 6.9 magnitude earthquake impacted the CEBU province on the 30th September. A 7.6 magnitude earthquake then struck the province of Davao Oriental on the 10 October 2025.

As a result, damage to various facilities and infrastructure in the region has been reported and may result win postal service delays in in the region.

Start date: 26 September 2025
Latest update: 26 September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Air Mail Unit Closure and Change of Ground Handling Agent

Poland Post have informed us that due to the planned closure of the Air Mail Unit and resultant change of Ground Handling Agent at Warsaw Airport delays may be observed as result.

Start date: 22 July 2025
Latest update: 28 August 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Strike

Portugal Post have informed us that Menzies, the company who provide local ground handling services have announced strike action at Portugal’s mainland airports during July and August and significant disruption is expected. Schedule as follows:

The strikes will be held from 00.00 to 24.00 on the following dates:-

  • September: 3–9, 12–15, 19–22 and 26–28
  • October: 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, 24–27 and 31–3 November
  • November: 7–10, 14–17, 21–24 and 28–1 December
  • December: 5–8, 12–15 and 19–2 January 2026.  

The strike initially scheduled from 00.00 on 29 August to 24.00 on 1 September has been cancelled

Start date: 28 February 2022
Latest Update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Service availability

We are still despatching postal items to Russia. We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide an update if there are any changes to our service moving forward.

Start date: 20 March 2025
Latest update: 30 September 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Foot and Mouth Disease

Slovakia Post has informed us that the situation locally regarding foot-and-mouth disease has improved significantly. However, the full restoration of postal and logistical services will only be possible once the emergency has been completely and officially terminated.

As this is not yet the case, some residual preventive and localized measures may still remain in place and therefore may contribute to some local delays.

Areas affected are:-                     

Medveďov - 930 07

Ňárad - 930 06

Baka - 930 04

Malá Lúč - 930 03

Plavecký Štvrtok - 900 68

No service since October 1991.

Start date: 1 October 2023
Latest update: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Delays

Please note that customers currently using our services to South Africa may experience delays. We are continuing to export as normal however are aware of extended processing times locally at present. We will provide further updates as they become available.

Start date: 19 November 2025
Latest update: 3 December 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Severe Weather

Sri Lankan Post have informed us that it has partially resumed mail operations as of the 1 December 2025, whilst the impact of the extreme weather conditions and landslide alerts remain in effect.

Mail arriving at the airmail unit is now being processed. However many roads are still blocked and some of the highly affected areas have yet to be reached.

As a result delays are still likely to be observed.

Start date: 5th July 2023
Affecting Postings: 6 January 2025
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Service Suspension

Restrictions on this route continue to be challenging owing to civil unrest in the country and as a result a full service suspension is now in place. Any items currently held in OEs are expected to be returned to sender. 

No service since December 2012.

Start date: 3 November 2025
Latest update: 27 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Flooding 

Thai Post have informed us that heavy rains in the northern and upper central parts of Thailand along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and the Tha Chin River has caused flooding along with torrential rain in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

This has resulted in road blockages and has caused delays in the delivery of all postal items in the affected areas:

11000, 11003, 11120, 11130, 11140, 11200, 11300, 11400, 12000, 12160, 13000, 13110, 13120, 13160, 13190, 13320, 13250, 13290, 14000, 14130, 14140, 16000, 16110, 16120, 17000, 17150, 60120, 60130, 60170, 60250, 64000, 64120, 64130, 64140, 64170, 64190, 64210, 65140, 66140, 66190, 66220, 73120, 73130, 73190, 73210, 80XXX, 90XXX, 91XXX, 92XXX, 93XXX, 94XXX, 95XXX and 96XXX

Start date: 24 February 2022
Latest update: 6 January 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Service Availability

We continue to make regular mail despatch to Ukraine via our Postal Partners. In the absence of air transport, they have rebuilt their international logistics network using road line haul and trains to convey postal items to, and from airports outside of Ukraine. In areas without active hostilities, all Ukrposhta post offices will remain open. Sorting facilities are equipped with electricity generators to ensure uninterrupted work and maintain normal customs and sorting procedures. However, operationally delays are still likely to be experienced until further notice.

There remains a number of areas that Ukrposhta are currently unable to service. For the latest view on accessible postcode and service areas please refer to:

services.ukrposhta.com/postindex_new/upload/Available_codes(Ukraine).zip

This is updated every Sunday. This list does not contain all existing postcodes but only those where mail acceptance and delivery services are available at a given time.

Start date: 22 November 2025
Latest update: 26 November 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Service Suspension

Restrictions on this route have become challenging owing to unrest in the area and numerous flight cancellations. As a result a full service suspension is now in place. Any items currently held in OEs are expected to be returned to sender

No service since March 2015.