International Incident Bulletin
Last updated: 28th of January 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
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
- Venezuela
- Greece
- France
- Romania
- Italy
- Australia
- USA
- Iran
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: 8 May 2025
Latest update: 15 Jan 2026
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: 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: 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: 17 December 2025
Latest update: 9 December 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Major Network Incident
La Poste have informed us that after a major network incident since the 22 December 2025 they have been experiencing IT issues that are disrupting its information systems and operational processes.
As a result, some delay may be observed while the post is working to resolve the issues.
Start date: 25 November 2025
Latest update: 17 December 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Road Blockades
Hellenic Post of Greece have informed us that a number of national and provincial road blockades by Greek farmers since the 30/11/25 is resulting in delays in mail transportation
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: 08 January 2026
Latest update: 28 January 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Internet Outage Disruption
Iran Post have informed us that since the 8th January 2026 an Internet outage has affected the entire country. It is disrupting access to e-mail services and all international postal systems until further notice.
As a result, the dispatch and receipt of international mail has been disrupted between the 8 to 21 January 2026.
Other related disruptions remain ongoing.
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: 16 January 2026
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation
Israeli Post informed us that Israel declared a state of emergency as of Friday, the 13th June 2025 until further notice.
We have reinstated our services to Israel but please note that due to the current situation in the region and potential handover issues customers should anticipate delays.
The situation continues to be 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: 22 January 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Evening Airport Closure / Strike / Legislative Change / Adverse Weather
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 4-hour strike from 13:00, on the 9th January 2026 involving aviation and airport services.
As a result, there may be flight cancellations and delivery delays may be observed during or immediately after the strike.
Legislative Change
Due to recent legislative changes introduced by the Italian Government effective 1 January 2026, regarding the implementation of a €2 customs administrative fee, we are currently experiencing temporary delays to items exported to Italy.
We are working closely with our Italian partners and will continue to share updates as further information becomes available.
For more information please visit our dedicated page here Royal Mail - European Trade Insights | Royal Mail Group Ltd
Adverse Weather
Post Italiane have informed us that due to adverse weather conditions currently affecting Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia, the delivery of all mail in these regions are subject to delays.
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 so please be advised that there may be short delays to the delivery of your item.
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: 23 December 2025
End date: To be advised
Incident: Typhoon Opong / Earthquake
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: 1 January 2026
Latest update: 9 January 2026
Incident: Legislative Change
From the 1st of January 2026 Romania introduced a RON 25 (approx. £4.35) logistics tax for items posted from outside of the EU to Romania for items valued less than or equal to €150. For more information please visit our dedicated page here Royal Mail - European Trade Insights | Royal Mail Group Ltd
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: 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.
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.
Start date: 19 January 2026
Latest update: 26 January 2026
End date: To be advised
Incident: Storm Fern
USPS have informed us that Winter Storm Fern is significantly affecting the US with a dangerous mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and bitter cold, leading to major disruptions and power outages of long-durations.
The storm will bring snowfall exceeding 12 inches across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, causing widespread service disruption to all mail types until normal condition resumes.
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.