Royal Mail latest recommended posting dates for Christmas 2020

Christmas is the busiest time of year for the Royal Mail and the Post Office. With customers and branches continuing to observe social distancing guidelines to keep everyone safe, things could take a bit longer than usual.

The Post Offices advises that all customers post early to avoid the rush. Or, if possible, try to visit Post Office Counters at a quieter time.

If you have still left it to the last minute, below are two tables showing the last dates for posting for both UK and international deliveries. We’re still here for you. The Post Office website states, “Please note, they’re correct at the time of publishing but, with the current situation, subject to change.”, so it is advisable to post before these dates.

UK postage destinations

Friday 18 December2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
Monday 21 December1st Class and 1st Class Signed For
and Royal Mail Tracked 48*
Tuesday 22 DecemberRoyal Mail Tracked 24*
Wednesday 23 DecemberSpecial Delivery Guaranteed

International Standard & International tracking and signature services

Friday 4 DecemberAustralia, New Zealand
Wednesday 9 DecemberAfrica, Asia, Caribbean, Central and
South America, Far and Middle East
Thursday 10 DecemberCanada, Cyprus, Malta
Friday 11 DecemberGreece, Eastern Europe
(except Czech Republic, Poland and
Slovakia) and Turkey
Saturday 12 DecemberCzech Republic, Finland,
Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA
Wednesday 16 DecemberAustria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
Friday 18 DecemberBelgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg
  • More than four in 10 Brits expect their Christmas to be impacted by Covid-19
  • More than a fifth have already decided they’ll be sending festive gifts through the post rather than giving in person this year
  • Anticipating high demand for Christmas 2020, Post Office is encouraging everyone to plan ahead by posting early
  • More than four in 10 Brits expect their Christmas to be impacted by Covid-19
  • More than a fifth have already decided they’ll be sending festive gifts through the post rather than giving in person this year
  • Anticipating high demand for Christmas 2020, Post Office is encouraging everyone to plan ahead by posting early

Image credits: Royal Mail