Dates for posting mail in time for Christmas

The latest recommended posting date for mail transported by land and sea (also knwon as surface mail) to Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Asia, South America, Russia and the Caribbean is this Monday, September 28.

This is followed by surface cards and parcels to the Middle East and the Far East on Tuesday, September 29.

For the USA, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa, the latest recommended posting date is Tuesday, October 13.

Surface mail to Eastern Europe, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland must be in the Royal Mail system by Tuesday, November 3, if parcels and cards are to arrive in time for Christmas Day.

Meanwhile mail being transported by land and sea to the rest of Western Europe should be posted by Tuesday, November 17 November if it is to arrive for the festive season.

David Cunnington, head of International at Royal Mail, said; “Surface mail products provide value for money for those sending cards, letters and parcels to far away destinations.

“In the modern world, it is easy to forget that it can still take a long time to reach some destinations by land and sea. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed if they are waiting for Christmas mail.

“As always, we urge customers to post early as Royal Mail builds up to its busiest time of year.”

Airmail recommended posting dates for around the globe are typically in early December and will be announced at a later date.