Service Bulletin
Welcome to our international incident bulletin; a round up of any issues which may be affecting mail services to and from countries around the world.
We keep this information as up-to-date as possible, with information supplied to Reliance by the various foreign national postal authorities.
SERVICE UPDATE
Items are leaving the UK on time but we are experiencing significant delays to a number of EU countries as a result of both new customs processes and ongoing Covid-19 measures. Our service to other destinations is operating normally. We are working with our airline and postal/courier partners to maintain services across the globe, however delays should be expected as a result of Covid-19 measures. The number of countries we can access is changing daily.
Customers now need to complete and attach a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) when sending goods to all destinations abroad. This will be carried out by Reliance on behalf of the customer. Otherwise items may be delayed or returned.
For International mail packets that do not contain printed matter, electronic customs data is mandatory and items without data will be delayed and not processed.
(Source: Royal Mail Group – As we are using multiple carriers across the network, we have discovered similar information is provided through other postal networks with their own content difference)
An update has been provided on Monday 19th July for: Germany & Ascension Island & St Helena
We strongly advise not to send items to destinations listed as ‘On suspension’
Start date: 6 February 2018
Latest update: 19 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Runway repair work
Please Note: Mail to the Falkland Islands is unaffected.
Original Incident
Air transportation to Ascension Island & St Helena is greatly reduced due to essential runway repairs. Unfortunately, given the location of the islands, there isn't a viable alternative to air transport. Customers can continue to send mail, but there'll be significant delays in the delivery of all products.
Latest Update
Last flight, closed 8th July 21, departed as planned. Next flight is planned to close on 29th July and 20th August 21.
Start date: 12 March 2020
Latest Update: 28 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Australian Post has informed us that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items effective immediately. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by avoiding human contact.
Latest Update
Australia Post have advised that new restrictions are in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19. As a result, service quality for all inbound international mail types will be impacted.
Start date: 27 March 2020
Latest Update: 19 February 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Barbados resumed on 17 April after a brief period of suspension. We’re prioritising the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Barbados Post have informed us that the Government of Barbados has extended the national pause until 28 February 2021. Furthermore, a weekend curfew will be imposed with effect from 7pm on Friday 19 February until 6am on Monday 22 February 2021. As a result, some airlines have reduced their services and/or cancelled flights. This reduced transportation capacity may lead to delays in both inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and the Force Majeure previously declared remains in place.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 15 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Bpost has updated, due to the impact of the third wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, the government has announced a new lockdown from 26 March until at least 25 April 2021. Bpost will continue with all services and the delivery of all mail types, however, the lockdown measures in place across Belgium will prevent full compliance with delivery times and collection of the addressee’s signature, and may result in processing and delivery delays. Items requiring a signature on delivery will, until further notice, be delivered with the postal worker’s signature in place of the customer’s (in the customer’s presence).
Incident 2
Belgium post has informed that exceptional and heavy rains in the South of the country has resulted, since yesterday, in floods and railway network and national roads being closed. As a consequence, all Belgium Post’s services in the South region of the country are disrupted. An update will follow once the situation has returned to normal.
Start date: 24 March 2020
Latest Update: 4 May 2021
End date: 4 May 2021
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Bermuda resumed on 17 April after a brief period of suspension. We’re prioritising the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Bermuda Post has updated that normal service at its office of exchange and local delivery have resumed with the Force Majeure situation being lifted.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 7 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Brazil has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Correios need to comply and is also likely to have a reduced workforce available, and not be able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Latest Update
Brazil Post has advised, cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among operational staff at the Curitiba international mail processing centre (BRCWB). Quarantine and other public health measures have been implemented at this centre, resulting in a reduction in the workforce. As a result, delays are expected in the processing, customs clearance and delivery of all inbound mail types.
Incident
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 26 February 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Canada has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Canada Post need to comply and is also likely to have a reduced workforce available, and not be able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Latest Update
Canada Post has updated, that following a period of mandatory quarantine and on-site testing by local public health authorities, operations at Gateway East Mail Processing Centre in Toronto have now resumed the three-shift daily schedule. While operations have resumed, delays in the processing of mail items are still to be expected as Canada Post continues with contingency plans to deal with higher than normal volumes, and to operate with restrictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest update: 8 April 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Chile has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Coreos de Chile need to comply and is also likely to have a reduced workforce available, and not be able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Latest Update
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the Government of Chile has implemented new restrictions and Chile’s borders have been closed. Passenger flights have been suspended with postal services in the region suspended until further notice. However, Cargo flight will still operate and postal items on these flights will be processed only if accompanied by relevant UPU documentations. Delay's are likely during this period.
Start date: 28 January 2020
Latest update:
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Significant delays to deliveries in China
We're experiencing significant delays to items being processed and delivered in China. Whilst items destined for China are leaving the UK on time, flight cancellations and the redirection of all incoming export items via Shanghai means there are considerable delays to items being processed and delivered. This has created a backlog with China Post, which will take some time to clear. We're monitoring the situation closely, and will provide updates as we get them. Please be aware that items destined for China are taking considerably longer to be delivered than usual.
Start date: 28 April 2021
Latest update: 11 May 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Civil Unrest
Multiple protests throughout the country have led to road closures and vandalism, impacting mail collections and deliveries. Columbia Post have put in place measures to protect employees and postal infrastructure, and these have resulted in further operational and last-mile delivery delays.
Start date: 12 January 2021
Latest update: 5 May 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Earthquake
Original Incident
Croatian Post has advised that a disaster state of emergency has been declared as of 4 January 2021 after the earthquake on 29 December 2020 in the region of the cities Petrinja and Sisak, 50 km SE of Zagreb.
Special measures are in place for Post Offices within the affected area from 11 January 2021 until conditions in the areas return to normal: -
- 1. Extension of the delivery period by five working days.
- 2. If items are undeliverable as a result of damage caused by the earthquake, and the new address of the addressee is unknown to the postal worker, they will be returned to the sender. The postal worker will mark such items 'povrat zbog potresa' ('return owing to the earthquake').
- 3. If the addressee’s phone number is known, the postal worker will attempt to contact the addressee in order to deliver the mail item.
Affected Post Office areas are: 44103 Sisak, 44104 Sisak, 44105 Sisak, 44201 Martinska Ves, 44202 Topolovac, 44203 Gušće, 44210 Sunja, 44272 Lekenik, 44273 Sela, 44250 Petrinja, 44253 Mošćenica, 44400 Glina, 44410 Vrginmost, 44415 Topusko, 44430 Hrvatska Kostajnica, 44440 Dvor, and 44450 Hrvatska Dubica.
Latest Update
Croatian Post has updated us that seismic activities are still occuring in the affected areas and the government is in the process of repairing the buildings and infrastructure. Post offices in 44000 Sisak, 44010 Sisak-Caprag and 43272 Nova Rača are closed with activities and staff being transferred to other offices to maintain postal operations, so delays may still be observed.
Start date: 17 March 2020
Latest Update: 7 June 2021
End date: 14 June 2021
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Eesti Post has informed us from 16 March 2020, they've suspended signature on delivery for inbound items, until further notice.
Latest Update:
Estonia Post has updated that postal services will resume as normal, without restrictions, as from 14 June 2021.
Start date: 3 April 2020
Latest Update: 14 May 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Fiji, suspended since 3 April 2020, resumed on Saturday 23 May 2020. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during the recent period of suspension. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Fiji Post has advised that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, from 20 April 2021 most international commercial flights to and from Fiji have been suspended until further notice. As a result, Fiji Post is experiencing significant disruption which is impacting on the collection and delivery of all international mail types.
Start date:13 July 2021
Latest Update: 19 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Flooding
Original Incident
Deutsche Post of Germany has informed that exceptionally heavy rain has caused extreme flooding, mainly in the west of the Country which has caused destruction or closure of regional and national roads including motorways. The Post's infrastructure has also suffered damage.
As result, postal services in large areas of western Germany are interrupted, with postcode areas severely affected at: 42XXX, 44XXX, 45XXX, 50XXX, 52XXX, 53XXX, 54XXX, 56XXX, 58XXX and 95XXX.
Start date: 16 June 2021
Latest Update:
End date: 17 June 2021
Incident: Industrial Action
Hellenic Post have informed us that Greek workers have announced a 24 hour strike on Wednesday 16 June 2021 and the Confederation of the Greek workers have announced a 4 hour (13:00 – 17:00 local time) work stoppage on the same day. As result, mail operations will be affected during and immediately after the strike.
Start date: 11 June 2021
Latest Update:
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Tropical storm
Guatemalan Post has advised that postal services in the Eastern and North Eastern regions of the country, disrupted due to Storm Eta, are in the process of being restored. All services in the region are expected to return to normal by the end of June. Inbound and outbound services for all mail types are operating as normal in the rest of the country.
Start date: 17 March 2020
Latest update: 7 May 2021
End date: 11 May 2021
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
We're currently not sending items to Haiti as there are no available transport links. Items sent will be held and you will experience significant delays.
Latest Update
Flights are now available for Haiti. Mail despatches resumed from Tuesday 11 May. Delays may still be observed initially as we prioritise moving previously held mail.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 9 April 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Honduras has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Honducor need to comply with these measures and may have reduced staff numbers so not able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Latest Update
The entire territory of Honduras continues to be subject to restrictions and to a curfew between 21.00 and 05.00 until further notice. In order to minimize human contact and protect its workers, Honducor have reduced its workforce across the logistics chain (from labelling to delivery) to 50%. This will have a significant impact on the quality of sorting and delivery of inbound items, and delays are to be expected in the processing of international accounts and inquiries as well as in the customs clearance of inbound and outbound items, hence will not meet quality standards with Force Majeure remaining in place.
Start date: 28 April 2020
Latest Update: 27 April 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to India have resumed, following a brief period of suspension. We’re prioritising the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
India Post has updated that certain restrictions have been reintroduced due to due to the current COVID-19 situation. Air, rail and road networks are limited, however, India Post continues to accept inbound international mail but cannot guarantee delivery standards on all mail types.
Start Date: 5 May 2021
Latest update: 12 May 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation
Israeli Post has advised interruptions and delays in the distribution and collection of all mail types may be experienced as a result of the security situation in the south and centre of the country.
Start date: 5 January 2021
Latest update: 15 March 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Customs Clearance
Original Incident
Items requiring customs checks are being moved from Milan to Turin, and the implementation of new customs procedures for UK traffic and missing and/or poor quality customs declarations and electronic customs data are causing delays.
Latest Update
Poste Italiane has informed that very high, unexpected parcel volumes received from non-EU Countries, has led to a backlog at their customs warehouse operation with considerable difficulties in storing and clearing incoming non-EU parcel & mail items. While they are working to clear any backlog, further delays are likely in addition to those as a result of any COVID-19 restrictions.
Start date: 27 March 2020
Latest Update: 8 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Jamaica, suspended since 27 March 2020, resumed on 17 April 2020. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during the recent period of suspension. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Jamaica Post has updated that the Government of Jamaica has extended the national curfew until 1st July 2021.
Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest Update: 12 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: No route available
Original Incident
Due to lack of connecting flights from our Carrier and no alternative route available, despatch is to be suspended. We are currently not able to accept post items for this destination until the route re-opens. Posted items are to be processed for return to sender.
Start date: 17 June 2021
Latest Update: 22 June 2021
End date: 18 June 2021
Incident: Industrial Action
Original Incident
Lebanon Post has informed that a general strike has been taking place across the country since Thursday, 17 June 2021. As result, all LibanPost facilities are currently closed, and that there will be no scanning, delivery or collection of any type of mail until further notice.
Latest Update
Lebanon Post has advised the general strike ended on Friday, 18 June 2021.
No service since July 2014.
Start date: 14 July 2021
Latest Update: 15 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Flooding
Original Incident
Post Luxembourg has informed that the country has been hit by floods due to heavy rainfall since Wednesday 14th July. Severe flooding has caused: closure of some schools, railway Network disruption, road blocking and evacuation of certain regions. As a consequence, some postal services in certain regions of the country are disrupted: - closure of 1 Distribution Centre - closure of 3 over the counter offices (postal codes starting with 64, 94 and 75). An update will be provided once available .
Start date: 6 May 2021
Latest Update:
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Madagascar Post has advised that the Government of Madagascar has declared a public health state of emergency and introduced new restrictions, closing access to certain regions of the country with effect from 3 to 16 May 2021. Passenger flights have been suspended but cargo flights will continue to operate. Mail items will continue to be delivered with delays to be expected. Madagascar Post is unable to guarantee quality of service for all mail types as a result of the restrictions.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Malaysia has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Pos Malaysia need to comply with these measures and may have reduced staff numbers so not able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Latest Update
Post Malaysia have advised that, in response to a significant number of new infections, the Malaysian Government has both extended and reinforced its measures to minimise the spread of COVID-19 from 28 May 2021. During this period, Post Malaysia will continue to provide postal services, operating with a reduced workforce and in line with the new restrictions and safety guidelines. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letters and parcels) will continue to be affected, and Post Malaysia is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. Previously declared Force Majeure continues to apply until further notice.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Mauritius resumed on Thursday 18 June 2020 after a brief period of suspension. We’re prioritising the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Mauritius Post has updated that the Government has announced the easing of COVID-related restrictions from 1 July 2021, subject to strict adherence to sanitary protocols and measures. Mauritius will gradually open its international borders from 15 July 2021. However, as COVID-19 continues to have a direct impact on international mails to and from Mauritius, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply on all mail types.
Start date: 15 June 2021
Latest Update: 2 July 2021
End date: 2nd July 2021
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
New Zealand Post has updated that the New Zealand Government has ended the level-2 alert in the Wellington region as from 30 June 2021
Start date: 22 June 2020
Latest Update: 11 June 2021
End date: 11 June 2021
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
We're currently not sending items to Nicaragua as there are no available transport links. Items sent will be held and you'll experience significant delays.
Latest Update
Mail despatches to Nicaragua will resume on 10 June 2021. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during the recent period of suspension. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Start date: 1 May 2021
Latest Update: 7 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Security Situation
Original Incident
Palestinian Post has advised, owing to the current events in the Gaza Strip, postal operations will be subject to interruptions and delays until calm returns to the region. It will be difficult to provide postal services to the following postal codes, and delays are expected until further notice:
- Gaza: P840–P899
- Khan Younes: P930–P969
- Rafah: P970–P999
- North Gaza: P800–P839
Latest Update
Palestinian Post has updated that mail delivery operations, which had been suffering disruption due to Security situation since 11 May 2021, are now back to normal in the following areas:
- Gaza: P840–P899
- Khan Younes: P930–P969
- Rafah: P970–P999
- North Gaza: P800–P839
Start date: 2 July 2021
Latest Update: 2 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Panama Post has updated that that all their processing facilities are operating under normal working hours but subject to special measures established by the Ministry of Health of Panama. As result, the Post is unable to guarantee service standards for all mail types, and the situation of force majeure will continue to apply until further notice.
Start date: 26 March 2020
Latest Update: 5 July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Samoa resumed on 17 May 2020 after a brief period of suspension. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Samoa Post has updated that the Government of Samoa has extended the state of emergency until 2nd August 2021. There is still only one flight per week on which Samoa Post can send and receive mail. All inbound mail is subject to a three-days quarantine before being processed and delivered. As result, Samoa Post has advised that delays are to be expected.
Start date: 11 March 2020
Latest Update: 11 May 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
We're accepting letters and parcels destined for Singapore, however, delays may be experienced as air connections have been severely limited. We're looking at alternative solutions to maintain service.
Latest Update
The restrictions introduced last year against COVID infection remain in place. Signatures are not collected upon delivery, items of letter box size mail will be posted through the letter box, and larger items which won't fit through a letterbox, will be delivered to parcel locker stations (POP stations), a post office or collection points for collection by the addressee. These measures will have an impact on quality of service for all mail types and delivery standards cannot be guaranteed until the situation returns to normal.
No service since October 1991.
Start date: 14 June 2021
Latest Update:
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Correos of Spain have advised that, while the Air capacity is gradually improving, it is still limited and subject to change.
In view of the current situation in the country and continuing capacity and frequency problems with international flights, post operations may continue to be impacted. As result, until further notice, they are unable to guarantee quality of service for all mail and to comply with delivery standards for items with a signature under UPU regulations.
Start date: 24 March 2020
Latest Update: 14 June 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Sri Lanka resumed on Sunday 10 May 2020 after a brief period of suspension. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update
Sri Lankan Post has updated that due to rapid spread of COVID-19, strict island-wide travel restrictions have been imposed by the government and remain in effect until 21 June 2021. Deliveries of all inbound mail will be suspended during this period.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Start date: 13 April 2021
Latest Update:
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Volcanic Eruption
The Saint Vincent Post Office has informed us that the country is currently under a national emergency following the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. An evacuation order was issued by the Prime Minister for people in areas near the volcano (red zone). All postal staff are reported to be safe, but this emergency will likely impact the processing and delivery of mail coming into the country.
No service since December 2012.
Start date: 8 March 2021
Latest update: 14 July 2021
End date: Estimated: 30 September 2021
Incident:Coronavirus
Latest Update
Thailand Post has updated that as a result of a significant number of new COVID-19 infections detected in Thailand, the Government of Thailand has extended the nationwide state of emergency until 30 September 2021. The wide-ranging restrictions in force include a curfew (21.00 to 4.00) in 10 provinces (Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala), limits on opening hours for some venues.Thailand Post will continue to provide postal services but will be operating with a reduced workforce and in line with the new restrictions and safety guidelines. As a result, Thailand Post can no longer guarantee to meet delivery standards until further notice.
Ukraine - Crimea & Sevastopol Regions - Long-Term Suspension
No mail service to Donets 83-87, Luhansk 91-94 Crimea 95-98 and Sevestapol 99 since 2014.
Start date: 11 March 2020
Latest Update: 7th July 2021
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Latest Update
Due to the continual impact of COVID and customs delays at the Chicago Office of Exchange, customers posting to any of the below states can expect a delay of up to 7 days on top of our normal service. We are diverting traffic to other Offices of exchange where possible. As result, delays are to be expected due to possible backlog during the period of diversion. We will provide any updates as soon as possible.
• Arkansas • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • South Dakota • Texas • Wisconsin
We’re closely monitoring the movement of mail though all US entry points, and will continue to move traffic from those where delays are more evident to minimise the impact. For further updates, please visit the USPS website.
Start date: 17 April 2020
Latest update: 28 January 2021
End date: Estimated: 30 June 2021
Incident:Coronavirus
Original Incident
Mail despatches to Vanuatu resumed on Saturday 23 May 2020 after a brief period of suspension. We’ll prioritise the processing and shipment of mail held during this time. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Latest Update:
Vanuatu Post has advised the Government has extended the state of emergency until 30 June 2021. International borders remain closed, but cargo flights can still operate. As result, Vanuatu Post can no longer guarantee to meet delivery standards until further notice.
Venezuela - Long-term Suspension
No service since July 2017.
No service since March 2015.