Sending a parcel to Spain

How long does it take to send a parcel to Spain?

It depends on which carrier and which service you use. Our fastest services aim to deliver to Spanish addresses within 3-4 working days.

If you don’t mind your parcel taking a little longer to reach Spain, our International Economy service is the most cost-effective way of sending to Spain.

Which items can’t I send to Spain?

When sending items from the UK to Spain, it's important to be aware of specific restrictions and prohibitions to ensure your parcel complies with both UK and Spanish regulations.

Items you can’t post to Spain:

• Meat and dairy products: Post-Brexit regulations prohibit the import of perishable items like meat, milk, and products containing them into EU countries. This includes items like sausages, cheeses, and certain baked goods containing suet or cream
• Alcoholic beverages over 70% ABV
• Aerosols, including spray paints and air fresheners, are restricted due to their flammable nature
• Lithium batteries not installed in devices
• Controlled drugs and narcotics
• Weapons and ammunition, including firearms, replicas, and any form of ammunition
• Counterfeit currency and stamps
• Live animals and insects
• Hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and other dangerous goods.

To avoid complications, always consult the latest guidelines from Spanish customs or read our guide on prohibited and restricted items.

Spanish customs declarations and requirements

When sending a parcel from the UK to Spain, you’ll need to complete a customs declaration form, because Spain is in the EU and the UK is no longer part of it. These forms are available online or in a Post Office® branch.

If your package contains different types of items (e.g. some DVDs and some trousers) then these need to be described separately.

CN22 form: Use this for items valued up to £270. It’s a simple green form that includes a description of the contents, their value, and the sender’s details. It sticks directly to your parcel.

CN23 form + SP126 plastic wallet: Required for items valued over £270. This is a more detailed form and must be enclosed in a transparent plastic wallet (SP126), which can also be picked up from a Post Office® branch.

Please note: If any duties or taxes are due, these will typically need to be paid by the recipient before delivery. Spanish customs may hold items temporarily while payment is arranged. If unpaid, the parcel may be returned to the sender.

Addressing mail to Spain

To ensure your letter or parcel arrives safely and without delay, it’s important to format the address clearly and correctly. Use capital letters and avoid punctuation. Here’s the standard format:

Recipient name

Calle [Street] Example, 123, 4ºA (Street name, building number, floor and door – if applicable)  

28013 Madrid (Postcode and city)  

SPAIN

• Spanish addresses often include details like the building number, floor (e.g. ‘4º’ for fourth floor), and apartment/door number (e.g. ‘A’)
• Spain’s postal codes are five digits. The first two digits indicate the province
• Always include the city or town name. The province is not always required but can be helpful for clarity
• Always write ‘SPAIN’ in capital letters on the last line of the address

Please write the addressee's mobile telephone number on your parcel, in case we need to contact them about their delivery.

Packaging and size guidelines for sending parcels to Spain

Ensure your items meet size and weight restrictions:

• Letters: Max weight 100g; dimensions up to 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm.
• Large Letters: Max weight 750g; dimensions up to 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm.
• Parcels: Max weight 2kg; length plus width plus height no greater than 90cm, with no single side longer than 60cm.

Spanish holidays which may cause postal delays

Be mindful of Spanish public holidays, as they may affect delivery times.

In addition to national holidays, regional and local holidays vary by city or province (e.g., San Isidro in Madrid or La Mercè in Barcelona), and these can also cause delays in those specific areas.

• New Year's Day: January 1  
• Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos): January 6  
• Good Friday (Viernes Santo): Late March or early April  
• Labour Day (Fiesta del Trabajo): May 1  
• Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen): August 15  
• National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España): October 12  
• All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos): November 1  
• Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución): December 6  
• Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción): December 8  
• Christmas Day (Navidad): December 25