Related Articles
This year it will be more important than ever to connect with family, friends and loved ones for Christmas.
The coronavirus pandemic, which hit the UK in Spring this year, has brought into sharp focus the things in life that really matter and nothing brings people together better than presents and a Christmas turkey.
Despite the Government announcing that three households can meet over five days of festive celebrations between December 23 and December 27, many people are ignoring the move and choosing to keep things low key this year.
More people than ever will decide to spend time at home alone or at least just within their household so as not to risk spreading coronavirus to vulnerable family members and friends.
For more news and features about London directly to your inbox sign up to our newsletter here
Sending a loved one a card or present this year will therefore be one of the main ways that people can bring a little happiness to each other’s lives after a difficult year.
With this in mind it’s of the upmost importance that you know the cut off dates for sending cards and parcels abroad and within the UK.
Royal Mail advise customers to “allow plenty of time for posting” and to “post items and gifts for Christmas early”, particularly for international deliveries.
The company said: “Ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe.”
Recommended posting dates
- Friday December 18: 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
- Monday December 21: 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48*
- Tuesday December 22: Royal Mail Tracked 24*
- Wednesday December 23: Special Delivery Guaranteed
*Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 services are not available to purchase at Post Office® branches
International standard and international tracking and signature services
Friday December 4: Australia, New Zealand
Wednesday December 9: Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Far and Middle East
Thursday December 10: Canada, Cyprus, Malta
Friday December 11: Greece, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Turkey
Saturday December 12: Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA
Wednesday December 16: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
Friday December 18: Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg
International HM forces mail
Monday November 30: Airmail to Operational HM Forces
Monday December 7: Airmail to Static HM Forces
(It is too late to sent post by International Economy)
