International Incident Bulletin

Last updated: 5 November 2026

 

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

Middle East Operational Update

Due to the current situation in the Middle East, export traffic to the destinations listed below are likely to be affected. Some shipments also transit through impacted areas and as a result are also likely to experience severe delays:

Israel / Iraq / Qatar / UAE / Kuwait / Bahrain / Jordan / Saudi Arabia / Oman

At this time, we are continuing to accept all traffic; however, the situation remains highly fluid and may change at short notice.

We are maintaining close communication with the airlines and our destination partners and will provide further updates as soon as new information becomes available.

USA

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.  

 

Recently Updated

  • Iran
  • Philippines 
  • Argentina
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Panama
  • North Macedonia 
  • Grenada
  • Spain

 

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: 5 October 2026
Latest update: 29 October 2026
End date: 12 November 2026
Incident: Airport Infrastructure Work

Argentinian Post have informed us that due to infrastructure work at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza – EZE), it will have runway restrictions and be unable to receive larger cargo aircraft from 25 October to 11 November 2026.

We have secured alternative routing throughout this period, but delays may still be observed as a result until the work is complete.

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: 1 March 2025
Latest update: 24 April 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Armed Conflict

Democratic Republic of the Congo Post has updated that suspension of transport routes between cities under rebel occupation remains in place.

As result, continue to prevent secure postal delivery to the affected regions in the eastern provinces, in particular North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.

Delivery to other parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo are unaffected.

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 July 2026
Latest update: 16 July 2026
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Cessation of Air Transport for Mail

Gibraltar Post has informed that following the implementation of the agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in respect of Gibraltar, 15 July 2026, commercial air transport operating to and from Gibraltar will no longer be permitted to carry commercial freight (letters and documents can still be handled)

Hence from 15th July 2026, postal items will no longer be transported by air directly to or from Gibraltar but by road via Spain. Transit times from UK to Gibraltar is therefore likely increased as result.

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: 17 October 2026
Latest update: 29 October 2026
Incident: Industrial Action

Grenada Post have informed us that its staff have gone on strike with immediate effect from the 27th October 2026.

The Post will continue to provide delivery service and minimize service disruptions however, delays are expected until the industrial action ends.

Start date: 1 March 2026
Latest update: 6 October 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Service Suspension

Please note that due to the current situation in the region we have had to suspend our services to Iran.

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

Any shipments already in transit are likely to be returned.

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: 11 June 2026 
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs Delays 

Our service to Ireland is running as normal. However, items that require import taxes may be delayed until the payment is made and the item is cleared by Irish customs.

For Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU) items:

  • If a mobile number and/or email is provided, the recipient will receive a text or email, as well as a letter, detailing the tax and An Post processing fee.
  • If only an address is provided, the recipient will receive a letter.

All notifications include payment instructions. The recipient has 16 working days to pay.

Items are held at the Dublin Mail Centre until payment is received. If payment is not made by the deadline, or the item is refused, it will be returned to the 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: 21 October 2026
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation

Israeli Post previously informed us that a state of emergency was delcared as of Friday, the 13th June 2026 and this has now been extended until at least the 3rd November 2026.

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

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

Start date: 09 January 2026
Latest update: 29 October 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Adverse Weather / Customs delay / Earthquake 

Adverse Weather

Poste Italiane has informed that adverse weather conditions currently affecting Sicily are impacting mail operations, and deliveries in the region may experience delays.

Customs Delay 

Following an upgrade to the Italian customs IT systems on 7 and 8 October, there have been some post-upgrade issues that are impacting the speed by which Royal Mail and Parcelforce parcels are processed.

As a result, delays may be experienced across our services while the Post works with Italian Customs Agency to support the restoration of normal operations.

Earthquake

Italian Post has informed that  following an earthquake that struck Campi Flegrei-Pozzuoli on 31 July 2026, mail collection and delivery may be subject to delays in postcode areas 80070 and 80078.

Start date: 17 October 2025
Latest update: 06 August 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica Post has updated that while there has been marginal improvement, delays are still to be expected in mail delivery and the transmission of electronic messages/updates; as some parts of the postal network have not been restored to pre-hurricane conditions and are still operating from temporary locations.

Start date: 28 July 2026
Latest Update: 29 July 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Earthquake 

Japan Post has informed that the strong earthquake on 28 July 2026 has severely impacted Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, causing major disruption to rail and road transportation in the affected areas and neighbouring regions, where all mail is subject to delays:

The postcode areas affected are as follows:-

860xxxx – 869xxxx (Kumamoto prefecture); 880xxxx

889xxxx (Miyazaki prefecture); and

890xxxx – 899xxxx (Kagoshima prefecture)

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: 23 July 2026
Latest update: 27 July 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Regional Delays 

Lebanon Post has updated that airlines have resumed flights to Lebanon, and it has resumed full operations across all Lebanese territories, except for the southern region, which continues to be affected by the ongoing local situation.

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 so please be advised that there may be short delays to the delivery of your item.

Start date: 13 October 2026
Latest update: 21 October 2026
End date: TBC
Incident: Power Cut

North Macedonia Post have informed us that following a power cut on 19 October 2026, operations are currently suspended at its main sorting centre in Skopje and its international postal exchange offices

As a result, delays may be observed while they work to restore full operation of its postal network.

Start date: 13 June 2025
Latest Update: 23 June 2026
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation

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

Start date: 7 October 2026
Latest update: 19 October 2026
Incident: Earthquake

Panama Post have informed us that a state of emergency was declared throughout the country after the earthquake on 9th October 26.

Whilst the postal network remains partially operational, earthquake affected regions in the provinces of Los Santos, Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera and Chiriquí are likely to experience delays

Start date: 20 September 2025
Latest update: 3 September 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Typhoon Opong / Earthquake / Severe Weather

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.

Severe Weather

Philippine Post have informed us that the south-west monsoon is causing severe weather conditions with heavy rainfall and flooding, in several parts of the country.

Normal postal operations have now resumed in the following areas: National Capital Region, Rizal, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Bulacan.

However, the prevailing weather conditions are continuing to affect the following where the collection, processing, transportation and delivery of mail items to and from the affected areas is likely to be delayed:

  • Ilocos Sur
  • Ilocos Norte
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • Abra
  •  Benguet
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Apayao
  • Batane
  •  Nueva Vizcaya
  • Zambales
  • Tarlac
  • Pampanga
  • Bataan

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: 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.

Affecting Postings: 7 November 2026
Latest update: 5 November 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Strike

Correos have informed us that a general strike has been called by several trade unions for Wednesday, 11 November, which will affect activities across Spain including postal operations, airport handling, transportation, mail acceptance and the delivery of postal items by Correos.

Delays may be anticipated through this period.

Start date: 5 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. 

Start date: 6 July 2026
Latest update: 10 July 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Customs Processing Delays

We are currently experiencing delays to items destined for Sweden due to a technical change within the local customs system. We are working closely with our partner to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.

No service since December 2012.

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.

No service since March 2015.