The Christmas rush to send cards and presents to your nearest and dearest dotted across the globe is here, and An Post are warning the public of country specific deadlines to ensure packages arrive before December 25.
The Irish postal service is advising people that millions of letters and parcels will be sent over the coming weeks and so the earlier you send yours the better the chance of the recipient receiving it on time.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Millions of people all over the world are using post to send Christmas letters and parcels to loved ones.
READ MORE: Demand for Dublin taxis tripled in November as experts warn of Christmas chaos amid driver shortage
“While these are the last dates of posting, this year is like no other and we advise customers to post early."
So here are the deadlines for sending Christmas cards and parcels:
According to An Post, if you are posting to an Irish address it should be no later than December 22. But if you are posting abroad to the UK, USA, Canada and other countries, there are certain dates that you should know about.
Ireland cards and parcels - 22 December
For those wishing to post their Christmas cards and parcels to an Irish address, you will have to send it by December 22 at the latest.
All standard post letters, parcels, registered post and express post must all be sent on December 22 to make it to their destination before the big day.
Northern Ireland cards and parcels - December 20
If you are planning to send Christmas cards and parcels up to Northern Ireland, the final date to send to ensure on time arrival is on December 20.
Standard post letters, parcels, registered post and express post should be sent on this date to arrive in Northern Ireland for Christmas.
UK cards and parcels - December 19
If you are going to send Christmas mail to the UK, the cut-off date is December 19 for standard letters, parcels, registered post and express post. Whereas for international/courier service to the UK the final date is December 19.
Rest of Europe - December 19
If you are posting to other European countries, the final recommended date of sending is December 19. It's also the same date for express post and registered post.
For international/courier service the final date is December 19.
USA - December 12
Understandably, a considerable amount of time it needed to ensure letters arrive on time in the USA, so An Post customers are being advised to send by December 12.
If you’re sending something a little bigger you’ll need to allow even more time. All parcels and registered post the cut-off date is December 7, while the final date for express post is December 12.
For international/courier service the final date is December 16.
Rest of the World - December 7
If you are hoping to send post to the rest of the world, December 7 is the best date for standard letters, parcels and registered post.
There is a slight date change for express post which is now on December 12. For international/courier service December 16 is the final date to make it in time for Christmas.
Services in Ireland
An Post customers are also being advised that there will be no mail delivery or collection from Christmas Eve on December 24 until December 28.
Mail delivery and collection is due to make a return on December 29 in time for the new year festivities.
For more information and advice visit anpost.com.
READ NEXT:
Ireland weather: Expert gives Christmas snow update as temperatures drop to zero this week
CMO has two words of warning for Irish public as Covid, RSV and flu cases rise
2023 will be a 'bad year' and energy prices will get higher, watchdog warns
Witness describes to court the moment he found dead body of Irish teen
Dancing With The Stars 2022 line-up with first four celebs announced
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
