COVID-19 Carrier Updates

USPS and Mail Supply Chain Essential Government Services

Domestic Delivery Commitments Update (Effective April 17, 2020)

Signature Confirmation Update

Business Closed-Hold Mail Update

USPS Resources

March 26, 2021 Updatenew

International Service Resumption Notice – effective March 26, 2021

Effective Friday, March 26, 2021, the Postal Service™ will resume acceptance of mail destined to the following:

Botswana

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Lesotho
Seychelles

This service resumption affects the following mail classes: Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The Postal Service is closely monitoring service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal.

Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

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UPDATE 147: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 18, 2021, MaltaPost, the designated operator of Malta, provided notification that, due to the COVID-19 emergency, and to new government measures to control the pandemic, inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS services remain severely disrupted owing to very limited airline capacity to Malta. This disruption is expected to continue until airlines resume normal operations and sufficient transportation capacity becomes available. Consequently, MaltaPost cannot currently guarantee delivery standards and times. Delays in the processing and delivery of mail are also to be expected throughout the islands of Malta, and compliance with quality of service standards will continue to be affected by force majeure.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 146: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 17, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

New Zealand UPDATE: New Zealand Post has advised that, as of March 12, 2021, the entire country has returned to Alert Level 1 of the national pandemic plan.
Thailand UPDATE: Thailand Post has advised that, to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Thailand has declared a state of emergency for the whole country, but five provinces in particular: Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. The public health measures and restrictions in place are impacting international inbound and outbound postal operations, and force majeure is invoked with respect to quality of service until circumstances return to normal. Furthermore, due to the reduced number of outbound flights, transit services (both open and closed) for all categories of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) remain suspended.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective March 19, 2021, the Postal Service will suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following country, until further notice:

Mongolia

This service disruption affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

For already deposited items, other than Global Express Guarantee® (GXG®), Postal Service International Service Center (ISC) employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

Due to COVID-19, international shipping has been suspended to many countries. According to DMM 604.9.2.3, customers are entitled to a full refund of their postage costs when service to the country of destination is suspended.

The detailed procedures to obtain refunds for Retail Postage, eVS, PC Postage, and BMEU entered mail can be found through the following link: https://postalpro.usps.com/international-refunds

The Postal Service is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl

UPDATE 145: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 16, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from Pošta Slovenije, the designated operator of Slovenia, advising that the Slovenian Government has extended the formal declaration of a national COVID-19 epidemic for another 30 days. Pošta Slovenije will continue to provide postal services with a reduced workforce. Quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

UPDATE 144: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 15, 2021, the Department of Posts, the designated operator of Sri Lanka, provided notification that the restrictions imposed on postal operations as a result of the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted as of March 8, 2021. The force majeure case is now closed and all mail processing and delivery operations on the island are back to normal. However, outbound international mail operations will depend on the availability of air and sea transport.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

UPDATE 142: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 9, 2021, OPT-NC, the designated operator of New Caledonia, provided notification that following the detection of the first cases of COVID-19, a strict lockdown has been decreed in New Caledonia until further notice. As a result, for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring a signature upon delivery, the signature of the addressee will be replaced by that of the postman/woman or the OPT-NC agent.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

UPDATE 141: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 3, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Czech Republic UPDATE: Česká Pošta s.p. has advised that, in response to a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 infections, the Czech Government has extended the state of emergency until at least March 21, 2021. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Česká pošta is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. As a result, force majeure is extended until further notice, and previously announced restrictions continue to apply.

Indonesia UPDATE: Pos Indonesia has advised that the previously announced force majeure remains in effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of alert declared by the Indonesian government.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

March 8, 2021 Update

International Service Suspension Notice – effective March 5, 2021

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective March 5, 2021, the Postal Service will suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following countries, until further notice:

Myanmar

Samoa

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

For already deposited items, other than Global Express Guarantee® (GXG®), Postal Service International Service Center (ISC) employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

Due to COVID-19, international shipping has been suspended to many countries.According to DMM 604.9.2.3, customers are entitled to a full refund of their postage costs when service to the country of destination is suspended.

The detailed procedures to obtain refunds for Retail Postage, eVS, PC Postage, and BMEU entered mail can be found through the following link: https://postalpro.usps.com/international-refunds

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UPDATE 141: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 3, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Czech Republic UPDATE: Česká Pošta s.p. has advised that, in response to a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 infections, the Czech Government has extended the state of emergency until at least March 21, 2021. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Česká pošta is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. As a result, force majeure is extended until further notice, and previously announced restrictions continue to apply.

Indonesia UPDATE: Pos Indonesia has advised that the previously announced force majeure remains in effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of alert declared by the Indonesian government.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 140: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On March 1, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Croatia UPDATE: Croatian Post has advised that the measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted, as of February 28, 2021.
Jamaica UPDATE: Jamaica Post has advised that the Government of Jamaica has extended the national curfew until March 22, 2021. Consequently, the force majeure previously announced continues to apply, with an impact on quality of service for all types of mail, including inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items
Lithuania UPDATE: AB Lietuvos pastas has advised that the Lithuanian Government has extended the full-country lockdown until March 31, 2021, in order to control the spread of the coronavirus. While the lockdown is in place, postal services will continue to operate under certain restrictions in order to minimize contact between people. Items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Lietuvos paštas is unable to guarantee compliance with the usual delivery standards. Therefore, force majeure will continue to apply.
New Zealand UPDATE: New Zealand Post has advised that, as a result of the recent confirmed community outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland, the New Zealand Government has moved the Auckland region to national COVID-19 Alert Level 3 as of February 28, 2021, provisionally for the next seven days. The rest of New Zealand has moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 for the same period. A summary of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Levels and their restrictions can be found at covid19.govt.nz/alert-system. All inbound/outbound operations will continue and contactless delivery and pick up processes apply, with delivery staff capturing the name of the receiving customer to avoid any physical contact. Given the current restrictions, New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and is invoking force majeure until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 139: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 26, 2021, Canada Post, the designated operator of Canada, provided notification that processing operations at Gateway East have now resumed the regular three-shift daily schedule. However, 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.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 138: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 24, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from New Zealand Post, the designated operator of New Zealand, advising that, Auckland has returned to Alert Level 1 of the national pandemic plan, joining the rest of country. However, New Zealand Post has decided to implement Alert Level 2 safety protocols in most of the Greater Auckland area, in order to protect New Zealand Post staff and to keep its sites operating. The Level 2 safety protocols (social distancing, restricted staff numbers, mandatory face masks, contactless deliveries and collections) will be implemented at the international office of exchange, major mail and parcel processing centres and all operational sites, as well as at collection points and during deliveries.

Areas impacted:

West Auckland;

Central Auckland;

South Auckland.

Postcodes areas impacted:

0600, 0602, 0604, 0610, 0612, 0614, 0616, 0618, 0814, 0816, 1010, 1011, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1041, 1042, 1050, 1052, 1060, 1061, 1062, 1072, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2110, 2112, 2113, 2120, 2123, 2473, 2571, 2576, 2577, 2578, 2580, 2582, 2583, 2584, 2585, 2675, 2679, 2684

Given the current restrictions, New Zealand Post cannot guarantee the service delivery standards in the above-mentioned areas and postcodes.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE SUSPENSION NOTICE

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective February 26, 2021, the Postal Service will suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following country, until further notice:

French Polynesia

This service disruption affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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UPDATE 137: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 23, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from South African Post Office Ltd. (SAPO), the designated operator of South Africa, advising that that it is still operating under adjusted level 3 lockdown status. As a result, all previous provisions, including force majeure, remain in effect until March 15, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 136: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 19, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from Barbados Postal Service, the designated operator of Barbados, advising that the Government of Barbados has extended the national pause until February 28, 2021. As a result, some flights have been reduced or cancelled. This reduced transportation capacity may lead to delays in both inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). Therefore, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and the situation of force majeure previously declared remains in place.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

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UPDATE 135: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 18, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from Hongkong Post, the designated operator of Hong Kong, advising that the measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted and the case of force majeure previously announced has been closed.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

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UPDATE 134: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 16, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

New Zealand UPDATE: New Zealand Post has advised that, as a result of a confirmed community outbreak of COVID-19, the New Zealand Government has moved the Auckland region to national COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 2 from Monday, February 15, provisionally until Wednesday, February 17, 2021. A summary of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Levels and their restrictions can be found at covid19.govt.nz/alert-system. All inbound/outbound operations will continue and contactless delivery and pick up processes apply, with delivery staff capturing the name of the receiving customer to avoid any physical contact. Given the current restrictions, New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and is invoking force majeure until further notice.
Portugal UPDATE: CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that the Portuguese Government has extended the general lockdown in place throughout Portugal until at least March 1, 2021. During the lockdown, the processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and CTT Correios de Portugal is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply until further notice.
Samoa UPDATE: Samoa Post has advised that the state of emergency has been extended until March 13, 2021. All inbound mail is subject to a three-day quarantine upon arrival and delays in the delivery of mail are therefore to be expected.
Saudi Arabia UPDATE: Saudi Post Corporation has advised that, in accordance with the measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the requirements of the government of Saudi Arabia, all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will, for security reasons, provisionally be delivered to customers indirectly. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for Saudi Post to provide written proof of delivery, and the delivery will be based on a code sent to the addressee’s mobile phone.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

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February 12, 2021

DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

UPDATE 133: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 12, 2021, the Postal Service™ received a notification from Hellenic Post (ELTA), the designated operator of Greece, advising that, as of February 11, 2021, the Government implemented even stricter lockdown measures in the Attica region. It is very likely that the same will apply to other regions during the coming days. As a result, there will be a direct impact on all postal operations until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

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DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

UPDATE 131: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 8, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Latvia UPDATE: Latvijas Pasts has advised that the Latvian Government has extended the state of emergency until April 6, 2021, or later.During the state of emergency, postal services will continue to function with reduced working hours and limited staff to minimize contact between people. Therefore, all previous measures enforced continue to apply, including items that normally require the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.Force majeure remains in effect until further notice.
Slovakia UPDATE: Slovenská pošta has advised that the Slovakian Government has extended the state of emergency until at least March 19, 2021. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Slovenská pošta is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. Consequently, force majeure remains until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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February 3, 2021

DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

International Service Resumption Notice – effective February 5, 2021

Effective Friday, February 5, 2021, the Postal Service™ will resume acceptance of mail destined to the following:

Central African Republic

This service resumption affects the following mail classes: Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The Postal Service is closely monitoring service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal.

Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

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February 2, 2021

DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

UPDATE 130: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 2, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Barbados UPDATE: Barbados Postal Service has advised that due to the recent spike of COVID-19, the country of Barbados has been placed on a national pause effective February 3–17, 2021. As a result, some flights have been reduced or cancelled. This reduced transportation capacity may lead to delays in both inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). Therefore, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and the situation of force majeure previously declared remains in place.
Spain UPDATE: Correos y Telégrafos has advised that, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of alert declared by the Spanish Government, force majeure remains in force.
Suriname UPDATE: Suriname Postal Corporation (SURPOST) has advised that, due to the increasing number of COVID-19 infections, the Government of Suriname issued transport restrictions effective January 1, 2021. Therefore, delays are to be expected in the processing and delivery of mail, and it will not always be possible to provide proof of delivery.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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February 1, 2021

DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

UPDATE 129: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On February 1, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Peru UPDATE: Servicios Postales del Perú – SERPOST S.A, has advised that the state of emergency has been extended until February 14, 2021. All postal services will be affected and force majeure remains until further notice.
Poland UPDATE: Poczta Polska has advised that the Polish Government has implemented a national quarantine throughout Poland. Consequently, the measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 are still in force and will continue to affect its services.
Vanuatu: Vanuatu Post has advised that the Vanuatu Government has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic until June 30, 2021. Vanuatu Post is able to accept international inbound mail and can export outbound mail. However, postal service quality for international inbound and outbound services and service delivery standards (including delivery times and other quality parameters) cannot be guaranteed until further notice.
Vietnam UPDATE: VNPost has advised that in response to a significant number of new COVID-19 infections, the government has reinforced the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 effective January 26, 2021. While these measures are in place, VNPost will continue to provide postal services, but will be operating with a reduced workforce, and subject to the new restrictions and safety guidelines. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and VNPost is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. As a result, force majeure is reinstated until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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January 27, 2021

DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

International Service Suspension Notice – effective January 29, 2021

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective January 29, 2021, the Postal Service will suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following countries, until further notice:

Botswana

Eritrea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Lesotho

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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DMM Advisory

Keeping you informed about classification and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

UPDATE 128: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On January 26, 2021, Canada Post, the designated operator of Canada, provided notification that due to an increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases resulting in staff shortages, one shift has been temporarily closed at their Gateway East processing plant in the Greater Toronto Area. However, the Toronto exchange office, located in a separate area of the Gateway plant, continues to operate, albeit with a reduced workforce. Given this situation, disruption to normal operations and reduced processing capacity and clearance within customs operations for both inbound and outbound mail items are to be expected.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service update affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

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UPDATE 127: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On January 25, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Czech Republic UPDATE: Česká Pošta s.p. has advised that, owing to a worsening of the health situation and an increase in the number of infected people, the country’s authorities have decided to extend the general lockdown until at least February 14, 2021. Česká Pošta is continuing to provide postal services, however, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS) cannot be guaranteed. As a result, force majeure remains in place with respect to quality of service.
Slovakia UPDATE: Slovenská pošta has advised that the Slovakian Government has extended the general lockdown until at least February 7, 2021. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Slovenská pošta is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. Consequently, force majeure remains until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

Jan. 20, 2021 Update

UPDATE 126: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On January 20, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Israel UPDATE: Israel Postal Company has advised that the general lockdown has been extended until at least January 22, 2021. Postal services will continue to function with restrictions and items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will continue to be handed over without signature. These measures will affect the processing and delivery of all types of services, including outbound and inbound letter post, parcel post and EMS, with an impact on quality of service. As a result, the previously announced restrictions regarding service standards and force majeure remain in place.
Latvia UPDATE: Latvijas Pasts has advised that the Latvian Government has extended the state of emergency until February 7, 2021, or later.During the state of emergency, postal services will continue to function with reduced working hours and limited staff to minimize contact between people. Therefore, all previous measures enforced continue to apply, including items that normally require the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.Force majeure remains in effect until further notice.
Jamaica UPDATE: Jamaica Post has advised that the Government of Jamaica has extended the national curfew until February 28, 2021. Consequently, the force majeure previously announced continues to apply, with an impact on quality of service for all types of mail, including inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items.
Portugal UPDATE: CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that the Portuguese government has extended the general lockdown until at least January 30, 2021. During the lockdown, the processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and CTT Correios de Portugal is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply until further notice.
Samoa UPDATE: Samoa Post has advised that the state of emergency has been extended until February 17, 2021. All inbound mail is subject to a three-day quarantine upon arrival and delays in the delivery of mail are therefore to be expected.
South Africa UPDATE: South African Post Office Ltd. (SAPO) has advised that the level 3 lockdown has been extended until February 15, 2021. SAPO will continue to dispatch mail to countries if the relevant air carrier is operating. It will also continue to receive mail from countries that send mail to SAPO for delivery in South Africa. However, it will not be possible to meet delivery standards for all mail classes. As a result, force majeure remains in effect.Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

Jan. 20, 2021 Update

Dec. 4, 2020 Update

Dec. 1, 2020 Update

Nov. 25, 2020 Update

Nov. 4, 2020 Update

Oct. 30, 2020 Update

Oct. 21, 2020 Update

Oct. 14, 2020 Update

Oct. 9, 2020 Update

July 15, 2020 Update

July 1, 2020 Update

June 24, 2020 Update

June 26, 2020 Update

June 12, 2020 Update

June 10, 2020 Update

June 5, 2020 Update

June 4, 2020 Update

June 2, 2020 Update

On June 2, 2020, the Department of Defense notified the Postal Service™ that effective June 4, 2020, the temporary service suspension to the DPO ZIP codes listed below will be LIFTED:

City	State	ZIP Code	City	State	ZIP Code	City	State	ZIP Code
DPO	AE	09283-9997	DPO	AE	09820-9997	DPO	AE	09860-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997	DPO	AE	09828-9997	DPO	AE	09864-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997	DPO	AE	09831-9997	DPO	AE	09867-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997	DPO	AE	09846-9997	DPO	AE	09869-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997	DPO	AE	09854-9997	DPO	AP	96532-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997	DPO	AE	09857-9997

Additionally, on June 2, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Honduras UPDATE: Empresa de Correos de Honduras (Honducor) has advised that it has extended the suspension of postal services until June 7, 2020, or a later date to be communicated in due course.
Israel UPDATE: Israel Postal Company has advised that owing to the cancellation and postponement of flights, the processing of outbound items may be subject to significant delays. In addition, although the situation is returning to normal, for safety reasons, all inbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery remains suspended and the previous established procedure to leave the item at the door after being scanned and photographed to ensure that delivery has been made, and if possible, record the name of the addressee, continues. Consequently, the situation of force majeure remains in effect and delays may occur in the treatment and delivery of all types of letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items.
Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that the suspension of all postal operations has been extended until June 14, 2020.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

This service disruption affects Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

May 29, 2020 Update

May 26, 2020 Update

May 22, 2020 Update

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective May 22, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where the foreign postal operator has indicated that they are unable to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following country, until further notice:

Turkmenistan

In addition, effective May 22, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following countries, until further notice:

Brunei

Cambodia
Uzbekistan

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

For already deposited items, other than Global Express Guarantee® (GXG®), Postal Service employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

Due to COVID-19, international shipping has been suspended to many countries. According to DMM 604.9.2.3, customers are entitled to a full refund of their postage costs when service to the country of destination is suspended.

The detailed procedures to obtain refunds for Retail Postage, eVS, PC Postage, and BMEU entered mail can be found through the following link: https://postalpro.usps.com/international-refunds.

INTERNATIONAL MAIL SERVICE SUSPENSIONS

The Postal Service™ is temporarily suspending international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suspension Due to Foreign Postal Operator Service Suspension
Bolivia	Fiji	Madagascar	Peru
Botswana	French Polynesia	Malawi	Rwanda
British Virgin Islands	Honduras	Maldives	Samoa
Cayman Islands	India	Mauritius	South Africa
Chad	Iraq	Mongolia	Sri Lanka
Curacao	Kyrgyzstan	Nepal	Zimbabwe
Dominican Republic	Kuwait	New Caledonia
Ecuador	Libya	Panama

Suspension Due to Unavailability of Transportation
Algeria	Costa Rica	Liberia	South Sudan
Angola	Cuba	Mauritania	Sudan
Antigua and Barbuda	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Morocco	Suriname
Argentina	Egypt	Mozambique	Swaziland (Eswatini)
Aruba	Ethiopia	Namibia	Tajikistan
Azerbaijan	Faroe Island	Nicaragua	Tanzania
Bahamas	Gambia	Nigeria	Timor-Leste
Bahrain	Ghana	Oman	Tonga
Bangladesh	Grenada	Pakistan	Trinidad & Tobago
Barbados	Guatemala	Papua New Guinea	Tunisia
Belize	Guinea Bissau	Paraguay	Turks & Caicos
Benin	Guyana	Philippines	United Arab Emirates
Bermuda	Haiti	Qatar	Uganda
Burkina Faso	Jamaica	Republic of Congo	Uruguay
Burundi	Kazakhstan	Saudi Arabia	Vanuatu
Cameroon	Kenya	Senegal	Venezuela
Cape Verde	Kiribati	Seychelles	Yemen
Chile	Laos	Sierra Leone	Zambia
Colombia	Lebanon	Sint Maarten
Cook Islands	Lesotho	Solomon Islands

Customers: please refrain from mailing items addressed to the countries listed here, until further notice.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

For already deposited items, other than GXG:

Postal Service employees endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form:

The Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form:

Either:

The Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or
The sender may remail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Global Express Guaranteed® Service Suspensions and Disruptions

Effective May 19, 2020, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending international mail acceptance of Global Express Guarantee® (GXG®) to the following destinations:

Suspension of Global Express Guaranteed Service
Bhutan	Gambia	Nepal	Uganda
Burundi	Kiribati	Norfolk Island	Vanuatu
Cape Verde	Laos	Republic of the Congo	Wallis and Futuna
Eritrea	Liberia	Seychelles
French Polynesia	Mongolia	Timor-Leste

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

Customers: please refrain from mailing items addressed to the countries listed here, until further notice.

May 22, 2020 Update

May 20, 2020 Update

May 19, 2020 Update

May 15, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE IMPACT

ALTERNATE TRANSPORT: THIRD AIR TO SEA DIVERSION IN EFFECT

On May 15, 2020, a third sea transport departed with volume from the Chicago, JFK, and Miami International Service Centers and is estimated to arrive at the Rotterdam (Netherlands) port on June 9, 2020. Sea route arrival dates are not exact and may vary depending on weather related events and queuing at port of arrival. The vessel is carrying 24,013 receptacles in twenty-two (22) containers weighing 143,807 kilograms. It is serving mail destined to:

· Austria	· Denmark	· Hungary	· Poland	· Sweden
· Czech Republic	· Finland	· Netherlands	· Spain	· Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich)

When calculating estimated delivery times, additional days required for unloading, customs clearance and road transit should be considered. The table below outlines a typical sea transit delivery cycle that begins upon arrival to the destined port:

Rotterdam Port Unloading	Rotterdam Port Custom Clearance/Clear Customs	Rotterdam Port Transit to Den Hague OE	Den Hague OE Acceptance & Sorting	Den Hague OE Road Transit to Delivery Address
1-2 Days	2 Days	1 Day	2-3 Days	1-4 Days

This transportation alternative will be used for the following mail classes: Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Alternate transit options will remain in effect until sufficient air transportation capacity becomes available.

The Postal Service is closely monitoring service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal.

Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl

The Postal Service™ is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl

May 13, 2020 Update

May 12, 2020 Update

May 11, 2020 Update

May 8, 2020 Update

May 7, 2020 Update

May 6, 2020 Update

May 5, 2020 Update

May 4, 2020 Update

May 1, 2020 Update

April 30, 2020 Update

April 29, 2020 Update

On April 29, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

British Virgin Islands: BVI Post has advised that the Government of the Virgin Islands has suspended all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until further notice. As a result of this suspension, BVI Post is declaring a situation of force majeure.
Honduras UPDATE: Empresa de Correos de Honduras (Honducor) has advised that they are extending the suspension of mail services until May 3, 2020, or a later date to be communicated in due course.
Kuwait UPDATE: Kuwait Postal Sector has extended the suspension of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until June 1, 2020. Therefore, the previously declared force majeure is extended until June 1, 2020.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following country has announced service disruptions:

Italy UPDATE: Poste Italiane has advised that the Italian Government has extended the measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19 until further notice. This includes the suspension of signature service and service standards; limitations on the size and weight of parcels; and changes to the number of delivery attempts that will be made before a package is returned to sender.
Poland UPDATE: Poczta Polska has advised that effective April 21, 2020 and until further notice, new procedures will be used for registered items and items that require a signature on delivery. Registered items that do not require proof of delivery will be placed in the recipient’s mailbox. If the mailer refuses to sign for the items that would normally require a signature, the mail carrier will record the last four digits from the ID document, as well as the type of ID and the exact name of the receiver. The force majeure that was previously announced is still effective and mailers should continue to expect delays.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

April 29, 2020 Update

April 28, 2020 Update

April 27, 2020 Update

April 24, 2020 Update

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective April 24, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where the foreign postal operator has indicated that they are unable to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following countries, until further notice:

Dominican Republic

In addition, effective April 24, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following countries, until further notice:

· Algeria	· Egypt	· Montenegro
· Antigua & Barbuda	· Estonia	· Morocco
· Argentina	· Ethiopia	· Nicaragua
· Aruba	· Faroe Island	· Nigeria
· Azerbaijan	· Ghana	· Pakistan
· Bahamas	· Grenada	· Philippines
· Bahrain	· Haiti	· Qatar
· Bangladesh	· Iraq	· Sierra Leone
· Barbados	· Israel	· St. Marten
· Belize	· Jamaica	· Suriname
· Chile	· Kazakhstan	· Trinidad &Tobago
· Burkina Faso	· Liberia	· Tunisia
· Colombia	· Mauritania	· Turks & Caicos

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

April 23, 2020 Update

April 22, 2020 Update

April 21, 2020 Update

April 20, 2020 Update

On April 20, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Cayman Islands UPDATE: The Cayman Islands Postal Service has advised that the suspension of all postal operations has been extended until May 4, 2020.
Curaçao UPDATE: Cpost International N.V. has advised that the suspension of all postal operations has been extended until April 27, 2020.
France UPDATE: La Poste has advised that the French Government has extended the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 until May 11, 2020. As previously advised, La Poste has suspended the following services; signature on delivery, International Surface Airlift (ISAL), M-bags, returns, and International Business Reply Service (IBRS). Additionally, items weighing less than 33 lbs (15 kg) and with a maximum package size of 12.5 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches (32 cm x 24 cm x 24 cm) will be delivered by its commercial network. All other packages will be subject to delayed service.
Maldives UPDATE: Maldives Post has advised that the suspension of all postal operations has been extended until May 3, 2020, or a later date to be communicated in due course.
Rwanda UPDATE: The National Postal Corporation (Iposita) has advised that the suspension of all postal operations has been extended until April 30, 2020.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Jordan: Jordan Post Company has advised that, owing to measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, its ability to send outbound letter and parcel mail is currently limited to items for Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab ‎Emirates and the United Kingdom only. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available internationally to all destinations other than India. Additionally, all items destined to Jordan are being sanitized, and no signatures are being required for letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items.
Portugal UPDATE: CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that the Portuguese Government has extended the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 until May 2, 2020. This includes changes for items that require signature on delivery and declaration of force majeure. Mailers should expect delivery delays.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

April 17, 2020 Update

April 16, 2020 Update

April 15, 2020 Update

On April 15, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Honduras UPDATE: Empresa de Correos de Honduras (Honducor) has advised that they are extending the suspension of mail services until April 19, 2020, or a later date to be communicated in due course.
Mauritius UPDATE: Mauritius Post has advised that they are extending the suspension of mail services until May 4, 2020.
Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that they are extending the suspension of mail services until April 30, 2020.
Sri Lanka UPDATE: Department of Posts has advised that they are extending the suspension of mail services until April 20, 2020.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Colombia UPDATE: Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72, has advised that, owing to the emergency resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there continues to be significant delays in all of its international inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items.
Georgia UPDATE: Georgian Post has advised that the Government of Georgia has decided to extend the measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 until May 10, 2020. This includes the suspension of signature service and suspension of service standards.
Ireland UPDATE: An Post, has advised that owing to the cancellation of numerous international flights, it is currently limited in its ability to send outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to some countries and ceasing to accept mail destined for those countries until further notice. Details of these destinations can be found at https://www.anpost.com/Coronavirus/Mails-Parcels-services. As of April 15, An Post is sending only letters, large envelopes and packets to the United States; no parcels.
Italy UPDATE: Poste Italiane has advised that the Italian Government has extended the measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19 until May 3, 2020. This includes the suspension of signature service and service standards; limitations on the size and weight of parcels; and changes to the number delivery attempts that will be made before a package is returned to sender.
Jamaica UPDATE: Jamaica Post has advised that the suspension of service standards has been extended until further notice.
United Arab Emirates UPDATE: Emirates Post has advised that it is carrying out contactless deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deliveries to the addressee’s home require the courier to confirm the recipient’s name by asking to see ID, recording name and releasing item to recipient.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

April 14, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Proposed Notification of Temporary Suspension of Acceptance for Certain Countries

UPDATE (two countries added)

TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION

The Postal Service™ received notice that various postal operators are no longer able to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States (U.S.) due to service disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Postal Service is currently unable to accept items destined for affected countries at any Post Office® or postal facility location, effective April 3 until further notice.

Customers are asked to refrain from entering items addressed to any of the below countries into the USPS system effective immediately:

Cayman Islands
Chad
Ecuador
French Polynesia
Honduras
India
Kuwait
Libya
Madagascar
Maldives
Mongolia
New Caledonia
Panama
Peru
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Bolivia
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
Botswana
Fiji

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees must endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may remail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

April 13, 2020 Update

On April 8, 2020, the Department of State notified the Postal Service™ that effective April 9, 2020 through May 8, 2020 diplomatic mail will be temporarily suspended to the following ZIP codes:

City	State	ZIP Code
DPO	AE	09175-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09826-9997
DPO	AE	09828-9997
DPO	AE	09831-9997
DPO	AE	09836-9997
DPO	AE	09842-9997
DPO	AE	09846-9997
DPO	AE	09854-9997
DPO	AE	09857-9997
DPO	AE	09860-9997
DPO	AE	09864-9997
DPO	AE	09867-9997
DPO	AE	09869-9997
DPO	AE	09895-9997
DPO	AA	34004-9997
DPO	AA	34011-9997
DPO	AA	34020-9997
DPO	AA	34022-9997
DPO	AA	34024-9997
DPO	AA	34030-9997
DPO	AA	34031-9997
DPO	AA	34032-9997
DPO	AA	34033-9997
DPO	AA	34034-9997
DPO	AA	34035-9997
DPO	AA	34036-9997
DPO	AA	34039-9997
DPO	AA	34068-9997
DPO	AP	96210-9997
DPO	AP	96532-9997

Additionally, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following country has suspended certain mail services:

Kuwait UPDATE: Kuwait Postal Sector has extended the suspension of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until May 1, 2020. Therefore, the situation of force majeure declared previously is to be extended until May 1, 2020.
Luxembourg UPDATE: Post Luxembourg has advised that the delivery of letter post will be suspended on April 10, 2020, until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that all international flights are further suspended until April 30, 2020. The lockdown remains in force until April 15, 2020. Collection, transmission and delivery of all postal products is significantly impacted.
Spain UPDATE: Correos y Telégrafos has advised that, owing to the suspension of flights to and from Spain, it is currently able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) and parcels to the following countries only; Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States of America. The Spanish Government has extended the state of alert until April 26, 2020 in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus. This state of alert may be further extended. As a result, the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.
Vietnam UPDATE: VNPost has advised that that the government is extending the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to nine new locations (see red text). Delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items may be delayed to the following areas:

Bac Ninh

(220000-229999)

Binh Duong

(820000-829999)

Can Tho (900000-909999)

Dac Lac

(630000-639999)

Dong Nai

(810000-819999)

Khanh Hoa

(650000-659999)

Lang Son

(240000-249999)

Long An

(850000-859999)

Tra Vinh

(940000-949999)

Ha Noi

(100000-159999)

Hai Phong

(180000-189999)

Quang Ninh

(200000-209999)

Soc Trang

(950000-959999)

Hung Yen

(160000-169999)

Quang Binh

(510000-519999)

Quang Nam

(560000-569999)

Da Nang

(550000-559999)

Hau Giang

(910000-919999)

Binh Dinh

(590000-599999)

Bac Giang

(230000-239999)

Hue

(530000-539999)

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

April 9, 2020 Update

On April 8, 2020, the Department of State notified the Postal Service™ that effective April 9, 2020 through May 8, 2020 diplomatic mail will be temporarily suspended to the following ZIP codes:

City	State	ZIP Code
DPO	AE	09175-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09826-9997
DPO	AE	09828-9997
DPO	AE	09831-9997
DPO	AE	09836-9997
DPO	AE	09842-9997
DPO	AE	09846-9997
DPO	AE	09854-9997
DPO	AE	09857-9997
DPO	AE	09860-9997
DPO	AE	09864-9997
DPO	AE	09867-9997
DPO	AE	09869-9997
DPO	AE	09895-9997
DPO	AA	34004-9997
DPO	AA	34011-9997
DPO	AA	34020-9997
DPO	AA	34022-9997
DPO	AA	34024-9997
DPO	AA	34030-9997
DPO	AA	34031-9997
DPO	AA	34032-9997
DPO	AA	34033-9997
DPO	AA	34034-9997
DPO	AA	34035-9997
DPO	AA	34036-9997
DPO	AA	34039-9997
DPO	AA	34068-9997
DPO	AP	96210-9997
DPO	AP	96532-9997

Additionally, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following country has suspended certain mail services:

Kuwait UPDATE: Kuwait Postal Sector has extended the suspension of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until May 1, 2020. Therefore, the situation of force majeure declared previously is to be extended until May 1, 2020.
Luxembourg UPDATE: Post Luxembourg has advised that the delivery of letter post will be suspended on April 10, 2020, until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that all international flights are further suspended until April 30, 2020. The lockdown remains in force until April 15, 2020. Collection, transmission and delivery of all postal products is significantly impacted.
Spain UPDATE: Correos y Telégrafos has advised that, owing to the suspension of flights to and from Spain, it is currently able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) and parcels to the following countries only; Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States of America. The Spanish Government has extended the state of alert until April 26, 2020 in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus. This state of alert may be further extended. As a result, the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.
Vietnam UPDATE: VNPost has advised that that the government is extending the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to nine new locations (see red text). Delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items may be delayed to the following areas:

Bac Ninh

(220000-229999)

Binh Duong

(820000-829999)

Can Tho (900000-909999)

Dac Lac

(630000-639999)

Dong Nai

(810000-819999)

Khanh Hoa

(650000-659999)

Lang Son

(240000-249999)

Long An

(850000-859999)

Tra Vinh

(940000-949999)

Ha Noi

(100000-159999)

Hai Phong

(180000-189999)

Quang Ninh

(200000-209999)

Soc Trang

(950000-959999)

Hung Yen

(160000-169999)

Quang Binh

(510000-519999)

Quang Nam

(560000-569999)

Da Nang

(550000-559999)

Hau Giang

(910000-919999)

Binh Dinh

(590000-599999)

Bac Giang

(230000-239999)

Hue

(530000-539999)

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

April 8, 2020 Update

On April 8, 2020, the Department of State notified the Postal Service™ that effective April 9, 2020 through May 8, 2020 diplomatic mail will be temporarily suspended to the following ZIP codes:

City	State	ZIP Code
DPO	AE	09175-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09178-9997
DPO	AE	09283-9997
DPO	AE	09289-9997
DPO	AE	09488-9997
DPO	AE	09489-9997
DPO	AE	09614-9997
DPO	AE	09701-9997
DPO	AE	09734-9997
DPO	AE	09802-9997
DPO	AE	09808-9997
DPO	AE	09813-9997
DPO	AE	09817-9997
DPO	AE	09820-9997
DPO	AE	09826-9997
DPO	AE	09828-9997
DPO	AE	09831-9997
DPO	AE	09836-9997
DPO	AE	09842-9997
DPO	AE	09846-9997
DPO	AE	09854-9997
DPO	AE	09857-9997
DPO	AE	09860-9997
DPO	AE	09864-9997
DPO	AE	09867-9997
DPO	AE	09869-9997
DPO	AE	09895-9997
DPO	AA	34004-9997
DPO	AA	34011-9997
DPO	AA	34020-9997
DPO	AA	34022-9997
DPO	AA	34024-9997
DPO	AA	34030-9997
DPO	AA	34031-9997
DPO	AA	34032-9997
DPO	AA	34033-9997
DPO	AA	34034-9997
DPO	AA	34035-9997
DPO	AA	34036-9997
DPO	AA	34039-9997
DPO	AA	34068-9997
DPO	AP	96210-9997
DPO	AP	96532-9997

Additionally, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following country has suspended certain mail services:

Kuwait UPDATE: Kuwait Postal Sector has extended the suspension of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until May 1, 2020. Therefore, the situation of force majeure declared previously is to be extended until May 1, 2020.
Luxembourg UPDATE: Post Luxembourg has advised that the delivery of letter post will be suspended on April 10, 2020, until further notice.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that all international flights are further suspended until April 30, 2020. The lockdown remains in force until April 15, 2020. Collection, transmission and delivery of all postal products is significantly impacted.
Spain UPDATE: Correos y Telégrafos has advised that, owing to the suspension of flights to and from Spain, it is currently able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) and parcels to the following countries only; Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States of America. The Spanish Government has extended the state of alert until April 26, 2020 in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus. This state of alert may be further extended. As a result, the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.
Vietnam UPDATE: VNPost has advised that that the government is extending the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to nine new locations (see red text). Delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items may be delayed to the following areas:

Bac Ninh

(220000-229999)

Binh Duong

(820000-829999)

Can Tho (900000-909999)

Dac Lac

(630000-639999)

Dong Nai

(810000-819999)

Khanh Hoa

(650000-659999)

Lang Son

(240000-249999)

Long An

(850000-859999)

Tra Vinh

(940000-949999)

Ha Noi

(100000-159999)

Hai Phong

(180000-189999)

Quang Ninh

(200000-209999)

Soc Trang

(950000-959999)

Hung Yen

(160000-169999)

Quang Binh

(510000-519999)

Quang Nam

(560000-569999)

Da Nang

(550000-559999)

Hau Giang

(910000-919999)

Binh Dinh

(590000-599999)

Bac Giang

(230000-239999)

Hue

(530000-539999)

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

April 7, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Additional Country Suspension – April 7, 2020

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective April 7, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where air and sea transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area. Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to any of the following countries, until further notice:

Angola
Benin
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cameroon
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Gambia
Guatemala
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Malawi
Moldova
Mozambique
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Republic of the Congo
Senegal
Seychelles
Solomon Islands
Sudan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Uganda
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may re-mail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

USPS is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information [insert link https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/

April 6, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Additional Country Suspension – April 7, 2020

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective April 7, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where air and sea transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area. Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to any of the following countries, until further notice:

Angola
Benin
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cameroon
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Gambia
Guatemala
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Malawi
Moldova
Mozambique
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Republic of the Congo
Senegal
Seychelles
Solomon Islands
Sudan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Uganda
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may re-mail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

USPS is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information [insert link https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/

April 7, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Additional Country Suspension – April 7, 2020

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective April 7, 2020, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to destinations where air and sea transportation is unavailable due to widespread cancellations and restrictions into the area. Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to any of the following countries, until further notice:

Angola
Benin
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cameroon
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Gambia
Guatemala
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Malawi
Moldova
Mozambique
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Republic of the Congo
Senegal
Seychelles
Solomon Islands
Sudan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Uganda
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may re-mail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

USPS is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information [insert link https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/

April 3, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Proposed Notification of Temporary Suspension of Acceptance for Certain Countries

UPDATE (two countries added)

TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION

The Postal Service™ received notice that various postal operators are no longer able to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States (U.S.) due to service disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Postal Service is currently unable to accept items destined for affected countries at any Post Office® or postal facility location, effective April 3 until further notice.

Customers are asked to refrain from entering items addressed to any of the below countries into the USPS system effective immediately:

Cayman Islands
Chad
Ecuador
French Polynesia
Honduras
India
Kuwait
Libya
Madagascar
Maldives
Mongolia
New Caledonia
Panama
Peru
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Bolivia
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
Botswana
Fiji

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees must endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may remail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

April 3, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Proposed Notification of Temporary Suspension of Acceptance for Certain Countries

UPDATE (two countries added)

TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION

The Postal Service™ received notice that various postal operators are no longer able to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States (U.S.) due to service disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Postal Service is currently unable to accept items destined for affected countries at any Post Office® or postal facility location, effective April 3 until further notice.

Customers are asked to refrain from entering items addressed to any of the below countries into the USPS system effective immediately:

Cayman Islands
Chad
Ecuador
French Polynesia
Honduras
India
Kuwait
Libya
Madagascar
Maldives
Mongolia
New Caledonia
Panama
Peru
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Bolivia
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
Botswana
Fiji

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees must endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may remail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

April 2, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Media Statement COVID-19

April 2, 2020

The United States Postal Service is proud of the work our more than 600,000 employees play in processing, transporting, and delivering mail and packages for the American public. We provide a vital public service that is a part of this nation’s critical infrastructure. The Postal Service has a dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Command Response leadership team that is focusing on employee and customer safety in conjunction with operational and business continuity during this unprecedented epidemic. We continue to follow the strategies and measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health departments. The CDC has information available on its website at https://www.coronavirus.gov that provides the latest information about COVID-19.

To reduce health risks for our employees and customers and to safeguard our operational and business continuity, the Postal Service is doing the following:

Ensuring millions of masks, gloves and cleaning and sanitizing product are available and distributed to more than 30,000 locations every day through our Postal Service supply chain. We also have opened up local purchasing authorities and sourcing options so that our employees can access additional supplies within the communities they serve. We have expanded our national sourcing of supplies and services to ensure that increasing demands are met.
Reinforcing workplace behaviors to ensure that contact among our employees and with our customers reflects the best guidance regarding healthy interactions, social distancing, and risk minimization. We have implemented measures at retail facilities and mail processing facilities to ensure appropriate social distancing, including through signage, floor tape, and “cough/sneeze” barriers. We have changed delivery procedures to eliminate the requirement that customers sign our Mobile Delivery Devices for delivery. For increased safety, employees will politely ask the customer to step back a safe distance or close the screen door/door so that they may leave the item in the mail receptacle or appropriate location by the customer door.
Updated our cleaning policies to ensure that all cleaning occurs in a manner consistent with CDC guidance relating to this pandemic.
Updated our leave policies to allow liberal use of leave and to therefore give our employees the ability to stay home whenever they feel sick, must provide dependent care, or any other qualifying factor under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. We have entered into agreements with our unions to provide 80 hours of paid leave to non-career employees for issues related to COVID-19, and have expanded the definition of sick leave for dependent care for covered employees to deal with the closures of primary and secondary schools across the country.
Expanded the use of telework for those employees who are able to perform their jobs remotely.
Issuing a daily cadence of employee talks, articles, videos, and other communications to ensure employees have the latest information and guidance.
Leveraging localized continuity of operations plans that can be employed in the case of emergencies to help ensure that the nation’s postal system continues to function for the American people. With a longstanding history of quickly adapting its operational plans to changing conditions, the Postal Service maintains steady communications with mailers during natural disasters or other events that require emergency responses and advises residential customers and business mailers with regard to postal facility disruptions that may impact delivery in an affected area via its USPS Service Alerts webpage at: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

The Postal Service delivers much needed medications and Social Security checks, and we are the leading delivery service for online purchases. The Postal Service is an essential service for purposes of compliance with state or municipality shelter-in-place orders or other social distancing restrictions. The statute that created the Postal Service begins with the following sentence: “The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by an Act of Congress, and supported by the people.” 39 U.S.C. §101(a).

Importantly, the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html), the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses), as well as the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.

Specifically, according to the World Health Organization, “the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and been exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” And according to the CDC, “in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets.” Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.”

April 2, 2020 Update

On April 2, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Estonia UPDATE: Estonian Post has advised that the Government of Estonia declared a state of emergency due to last until May 1, 2020. Estonian Post therefore wishes to inform its partners of some temporary changes to the services provided. Estonian Post can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards and is declaring a situation of force majeure.
Iceland UPDATE: Iceland Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items as of March 19, 2020. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact.
Slovakia UPDATE: Slovenska Pošta has advised that special processes have been put in place for postal items subject to delivery, specifically as follows:
- Slovenská pošta has suspended the collection of a signature on delivery for inbound registered letter-post items. These are now placed in the addressee’s mailbox with no personal contact with the addressee, and the details are recorded in delivery books.
- Items that do not fit in the mailbox, or those with an unsuccessful delivery attempt, will be stored at the delivery post office for an extended period (32 days in total). A notification, including instructions, will be placed in the mailbox. The same applies to ordinary mail, including small packages;
- Inbound registered letter-post items with value-added services, such as delivery in person, written proof of delivery, the cash-on-delivery service or other additional payments etc. In such cases, deliveries have been suspended, and only a notification that the item is available at the post office will be provided (physical notification in the mailbox, or electronic notification by e-mail or SMS).
- Where a customer is in compulsory quarantine or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, their items will be deposited at the delivery post office for the extended storage period, and customers in quarantine will be able to wait until the quarantine is lifted.
- Parcels that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature are still delivered to the door, but extra steps are taken to minimize interaction.
- Furthermore, as of April 1, 2020, Slovenská pošta is able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) only to countries within the European Union (with the exception of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Malta and Spain), and to Belarus, Canada, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Slovenská pošta will continue to accept letter-post and parcel-post items sent to destinations for which transport capacity is available.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

April 1, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

Proposed Notification of Temporary Suspension of Acceptance for Certain Countries

TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION

The Postal Service™ received notice that various postal operators are no longer able to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States (U.S.) due to service disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Postal Service is currently unable to accept items destined for affected countries at any Post Office® or postal facility location, effective April 3 until further notice.

Customers are asked to refrain from entering items addressed to any of the below countries into the USPS system effective immediately:

Cayman Islands
Chad
Ecuador
French Polynesia
Honduras
India
Kuwait
Libya
Madagascar
Maldives
Mongolia
New Caledonia
Panama
Peru
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Bolivia
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For already deposited items, other than GXG, Postal Service employees must endorse them “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and then place them in the mail stream for return.

For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service.

For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may remail them with the existing postage once service has been restored. When remailing under this option, customers must cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.”

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/

April 1, 2020 Update

On April 1, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Botswana: BotswanaPost has advised that the President of Botswana has declared a state of emergency from April 2, 2020, until further notice. A lockdown of all the country’s services has been effected, except for essential services. In compliance with the lockdown, BotswanaPost is therefore suspending all international mail operations, including the acceptance and processing of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items until April 30, 2020, or a later date announced by the government.
Fiji: Post Fiji Ltd has advised that effective March 23, 2020, all international flights to and from Fiji are suspended until further notice. Post Fiji is therefore, experiencing significant disruption in its daily operations, which has led to suspension of collection and deliveries for all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items and services.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Argentina: Correo Argentino has implemented health and safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. No letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items will require signatures upon delivery. Instead, the mail carrier will ask the addressee for a piece of ID and will record the number in the signature field. Owing to the cancellation of many international flights and diminished transportation capacity, Correo Argentino is unable to transport mail to an increasing number of countries. As a result, it has arranged for mail items addressed to foreign countries to be admitted on a conditional basis. These circumstances will affect the quality of service for all inbound and outbound mail. As such, Correo Argentino, has declared force majeure and will be unable to guarantee delivery service standards (e.g. delivery time).
Greece UPDATE: Hellenic Post (ELTA) has advised that, effective March, 30 2020, Hellenic Post will only be able to send – with delays expected due to limited capacity – letter-post and parcel-post items destined to:
- Europe (EU and non-EU countries): Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria (Rep.), Czech Rep., Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
- Rest of the world: Canada, Japan and Qatar.

The above list is subject to change on a daily basis. A situation of force majeure is declared and the acceptance of letter-post and parcel-post items destined to all other countries (including the United States) is suspended with immediate effect, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.

Japan: Japan Post has advised that the coronavirus pandemic has caused many countries and territories to take measures such as ceasing to accept inbound international postal items, or significantly reducing or suspending flights to and from Japan. As a result, Japan Post’s transportation performance has significantly declined. Therefore, acceptance of international mail items (letter post, parcel post and EMS) by air and S.A.L. for various countries and territories is being temporarily suspended effective April 2, 2020. Further details are provided on the Japan Post website at www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2020/0401_02_en.html.
Mali: La Poste du Mali has advised that the Malian Government suspended of all commercial flights (other than cargo flights) from affected countries, which will affect postal services. This measure will remain in force until May 8, 2020, and may be extended as necessary. During this time, La Poste du Mali will be unable to meet its contractual obligations, particularly those relating to quality standards.
Serbia UPDATE: Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has advised that owing to the extremely difficult air transport situation, it is no longer able to dispatch postal items to the majority of destinations. The dispatching of all types of postal items to 186 international destinations has therefore been temporarily suspended. Currently, Post of Serbia is still dispatching and receiving letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to and from the United States of America. ‎
Thailand: Thailand Post has advised that a state of emergency has been declared effect from March 26 to April 30, 2020 (or a later date that may be communicated in due course). There may be a severe impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services, and service delivery standards can no longer be guaranteed. Moreover, owing to the suspension of flights from and to Thailand, and the resulting lack of transport capacity, Thailand Post is currently unable to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to a growing number of countries. Please visit www.thailandpost.co.th/un/article_detail/article/11/17151 for up-to-date information on the countries concerned.
Turkey: Turkish PTT Corporation has advised that numerous international flights have been cancelled, resulting in a lack of transport capacity. Consequently, Turkish PTT Corporation is declaring a situation of force majeure with immediate effect, and delays are also to be expected for all other inbound and outbound postal items.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

March 31, 2020 Update

On March 31, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Bolivia: Agencia Boliviana de Correos has advised that effective from March 22 to April 15, 2020, it is temporarily suspending all mail services. Agencia Boliviana de Correos is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure in relation to all letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items.
France UPDATE: La Poste has advised the French Government has extended the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 until April 15, 2020. As previously advised, La Poste has suspended the following letter-post services; International Surface Airlift (ISAL), M-bags, returns, and International Business Reply Service (IBRS).
Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz pochtasy has advised that in accordance with the declaration of the Government of Kyrgyzstan in response to the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it is temporarily suspending the shipment of outbound mail destined to foreign countries. Mail destined to Kyrgyzstan will continue to be delivered as usual.
Peru UPDATE: Servicios Postales del Perú – SERPOST S.A, has extended the suspension on delivery of domestic and international mail. Therefore, postal services in Peru are suspended until April 12, 2020.
Zimbabwe UPDATE: Zimbabwe Posts (Pvt) Ltd. (Zimpost) has advised that the President of Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency for 21 days starting Monday, March 30, 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). A lockdown of all services in the country has been effected, except for a few specified critical utilities that exclude postal services. In compliance with the lockdown, ZIMPOST is therefore suspending all operations (counter and mail services), including the acceptance and processing of all inbound and outbound mail (letters, parcels and EMS) until the end of the lockdown on Tuesday, April 19, 2020, or any other date announced by the government.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

Furthermore, as a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Italy UPDATE: Poste Italiane has advised that it has implemented further measures with regard to the acceptance and delivery of parcels, in accordance with physical distancing requirements. If the addressee cannot be contacted, or in the case of parcels addressed to businesses and other entities that are temporarily closed, items can be returned to sender after the first delivery attempt. Furthermore, in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect employees’ health by enabling processing by a single person, only parcels below 25 kg in weight, 120 cm in length and 150 cm for the three dimensions combined can be accepted. Parcels exceeding these weight and size limits will not be accepted until further notice. These restrictions do not apply to donations. Finally, owing to the increasing lack of transport capacity following the cancellation of numerous international flights, and further to the declaration of force majeure and the suspension of postal services in a number of countries, Poste Italiane is constantly updating its list of admitted outbound destinations. Please visit: www.poste.it/emergenza-covid19.html for up to date information on the most affected municipalities.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

March 27, 2020 Update

COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE

On March 27, 2020, the Department of Defense notified the Postal Service™ that effective March 30, 2020, the temporary service suspension to the APO/FPO ZIP codes listed below will be LIFTED immediately:

City	State	ZIP Code
FPO	AE	09204
FPO	AE	09216
APO	AE	09706

Additionally, on March 30, 2020, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

France UPDATE: La Poste has advised that effective March 30, 2020, it will be unable to accept inbound letter-post flows in their entirety for the upcoming weeks, during which there will be four days of reception: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Efforts will be focused on urgent flows and the delivery of small packets able to help people during this confinement period. Therefore, La Poste is asking mailers worldwide to defer their non-urgent shipments to France and requesting that postal operators reduce the volume of despatches. For the same reason, La Poste will be unable to receive the following letter-post items; International Surface Airlift, M-bags, returns, and International Business Reply Service (IBRS).
Honduras UPDATE: Empresa de Correos de Honduras (Honducor) has advised that it has extended the suspension of postal services until April 12, 2020, or a later date to be communicated in due course. The suspension affects imports of international mail at land and sea borders, and at Ramon Villeda Morales Airport in San Pedro Sula and Toncontin Airport in Tegucigalpa. Honducor therefore asks countries that normally send their mail to Honduras by air cargo flights not to do so for the time being to avoid mail being stored in customs warehouses, generating significant extra costs. An exception may be made for humanitarian aid, which Honducor is able to process with the knowledge and prior authorization of the Honduran Government. Honducor asks to be excused from delivery time requirements and compensation for late delivery of postal items until normal operations resume.
Kazakhstan: Kazpost JSC has advised that it has suspended the dispatch of all types of postal items to the following countries; Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America. (See below for information regarding mail destined to Kazakhstan.)
Saudi Arabia UPDATE: Saudi Post Corporation has advised that, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dispatch and receipt of all ordinary and registered letter-post and parcel-post items has been suspended for two weeks beginning Sunday, March 29, 2020. Dispatch and receipt of Express Mail Service (EMS) items weighing up to 11 pounds (5 kg) will, however, continue. During this time, quality of service, including delivery times and other quality standards, cannot be guaranteed.

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

Furthermore, as a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Colombia, Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72, has advised that, owing to the emergency resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there will be significant delays in all of its international inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS services.
Denmark UPDATE: Post Danmark (PostNord Denmark) has advised that effective March 27, 2020, it is able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) only to countries within the European Union (EU), with the exception of Cyprus and Malta. It is also able to send mail to the following countries: Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam. Service availability is subject to change on a daily basis. Please visit www.postnord.dk/en/service-interruptions/how-is-covid-19-affecting-postnord for up-to-date information. Furthermore, PostNord Denmark has suspended signature on delivery. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.
Grenada: Grenada Postal Corporation, has advised that the Government of Grenada has declared a limited state of emergency for 21 days effective March 25, 2020. This has resulted in the closure of the airport and a number of businesses, and includes restrictions on movement of people and transport capacity. Outbound and inbound mail delivery services and other services will be affected.
Kazakhstan: Kazpost JSC has advised that a state of emergency has been declared throughout the country until April 15, 2020 and a quarantine has been imposed in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, mail deliveries and distribution of newspapers and magazines are carrying on as normal. However, given the imposition of quarantine and the restriction of air and train transportation to and from Nur-Sultan and Almaty, delays in mail delivery to all areas are possible.
Lithuania UPDATE: Lithuania Post has advised that the Government of Lithuania has decided to extend the nationwide quarantine for at least two more weeks – until April 13, 2020 – in order to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To eliminate customer interaction at the doorstep, Lithuania Post has suspended the collection of signature on delivery for inbound letter mail items and, wherever possible, is sending parcels to parcel lockers for contact-free collection. Courier items are still delivered to the door, but the four last digits of the recipient’s ID are recorded in place of a signature. For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed and Lithuania Post is therefore invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service, until the situation returns to normal.
Nepal UPDATE: Nepal Post has advised that the Government of Nepal has extended the suspension of all incoming international flights to Nepal until April 15, 2020, and the country is in lockdown until April 7, 2020. These measures are adversely affecting the collection, transmission and delivery of mail items.
Sweden UPADTE: Sweden Post (PostNord Sweden) has advised that effective March 27, 2020, it is able to send mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) only to countries within the European Union, with the exception of Cyprus and Malta. It is also able to send mail to Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam. This list is subject to change on a daily basis. Please visit www.postnord.se/en/about-us/how-the-coronavirus-is-affecting-our-deliveries for up-to-date information. PostNord Sweden is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and has suspended signature on delivery for items destined to Sweden, with the exception of items that are delivered through a retail outlet. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.
Vatican: Poste Vaticane has advised that it will carry on operating and provide its services as far as it is able to. The current situation will have repercussions in terms of quality of service for all types of inward and outward mail. Under these circumstances, Poste Vaticane will no longer be able to guarantee delivery service standards. Owing to insufficient transport capacity following the cancellation of many international flights, Poste Vaticane is currently unable to transport mail (letter-post and parcel-post items) to a growing number of countries. Poste Vaticane is therefore no longer accepting postal destined for the countries concerned until further notice. The list of destination countries affected is liable to change on a daily basis.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to update mailers regarding new service disruptions as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

March 27, 2020 Update

On March 27, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Panama: Correos de Panamá has advised that the Panamanian government has adopted new public health measures, and has extended the countrywide curfew to 24 hours a day effective March 25, 2020, for the duration of the state of national emergency. Given this situation, all categories of inbound and outbound mail are suspended until further notice. Furthermore, Correos de Panamá is no longer in a position to guarantee delivery standards for incoming and outgoing mail and is invoking force majeure, until further notice.
Romania: CN Poșta Română SA has advised that, owing to the suspension of flights, it is currently unable to send letter-post and parcel-post items to an increasing number of countries both within and outside the European Union. Therefore, it is no longer accepting letter-post and parcel-post items for international destinations to which transport capacities are unavailable. In addition, it is unable to send any outbound Express Mail Service (EMS) items and will no longer accept such items until sufficient transport capacity becomes available

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Cape Verde, Correios de Cabo Verde has advised that the government of Cabo Verde has declared an emergency for at least three weeks beginning March 18, 2020. Cape Verde has closed its borders and suspended all flights to all EU countries, United States of America, Brazil, Senegal and Nigeria. All UPU member countries are advised to expect serious delays for both inbound and outbound mail as a result of the numerous flight reductions and cancellations. Correios de Cabo Verde will continue to operate during its normal working hours.
France: La Poste has advised that, until further notice, it is implementing additional safeguards for parcel-post items to protect the health and safety of La Poste’s staff, including;
- Offices of exchange FRAINB, FRBLDB, FRCYMA, FRDVRB, FRERNA, FRERNB, FRMCRA, FRSLMB and FRTLSJ will be closed on Monday, March 30, Tuesday, March 31, and Saturday, April 4, 2020;
- Effective Monday, March 30, 2020, only items weighing less than 15 kg and with a maximum package size of 12.5 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches (32 cm x 24 cm x 24 cm) will be delivered by its commercial network;
- Every effort will be made to provide the service, but delivery standards will not be guaranteed;
- All other packages will be subject to delayed service.
Germany: Deutsche Post has advised that owing to a lack of transport capacity following the cancellation of numerous international flights they have suspended the acceptance of postal items destined for the affected countries. The list of affected destination countries is likely to change every day, and an overview is available online at https://www.deutschepost.de/en/c/coronavirus.html. Suspensions will apply until sufficient transport capacities become available. Additionally, Deutsche Post has implemented physical distancing requirements: inbound items requiring a payment by the recipient, such as cash-on-delivery (COD) or the payment of customs duties and taxes, will be immediately directed to a postal outlet for collection. Recipients will receive a notification as to which postal outlet is holding their item for collection.
Hong Kong: Hongkong Post has announced temporarily changes its delivery process for all items requiring signature on delivery. Effective, March 28, 2020, for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery, when performing at-the-door delivery, mail carrier will not obtain a signature from the recipient to reduce human interaction. In case of an unsuccessful delivery attempt, the recipiHow does this one look?ent will receive a notification with instructions to collect the item at a designated post office. The collection arrangements at the post office remains unchanged.
Iceland: Iceland Post has advised that many international flights have been cancelled, resulting in a lack of transport capacity. Consequently, Iceland Post is currently unable to send postal items to any countries outside the European Union, with the exception of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Russian Federation, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Iceland Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure. Delays are also to be expected for postal items destined for the Union member countries listed above.
New Zealand: New Zealand Post has advised that effective March 25, 2020, the Government of New Zealand has raised the COVID-19 alert level to 4 (the highest level) and introduced wide-ranging measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. New Zealand Post will remain in operation during the alert level 4 lockdown period, insofar as possible. However, New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards. It is therefore invoking a situation of force majeure in relation to any such standards, until further notice. A number of measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, effective until further notice. These include the following:
- Delivery changes: The mail carrier will knock at the door as usual, step back away from the door, and ask for the recipient’s name to record proof of delivery.
- Over-the-counter services have been discontinued effective March 25, 2020. It will also mean a reduction in the capacity to accept international outbound items, and a reduction in export volumes is therefore to be expected while alert level 4 remains in effect.
- Businesses that are deemed to provide essential services are still able to send their products.
- Owing to the suspension of many flights and the resulting reduction in transport capacity, New Zealand Post is limited in its ability to send outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to foreign countries. Please visit www.nzpost.co.nz/contact-support/international-mail-updates for up-to-date information on the affected countries.
Russian Federation: Russian Post has advised that, owing to the quarantine measures implemented in Moscow to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the fact that the principal office of exchange for imports is located in Moscow, Russian Post is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards. As a result, Russian Post is invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service for all categories of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.
Ukraine: Ukrposhta has advised that the Government of Ukraine declared a state of emergency across the country until April 24, 2020, to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Ukrposhta is maintaining its operations, with measures in place to protect staff and customers. Delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) destined to Ukraine. In order to minimize human contact, it will not be mandatory for mail carriers to collect and provide written proof of delivery; registered items (other than summons) will be left in addressees’ mailboxes, and inbound international postal items will be stored at post offices free of charge until the end of the state of emergency.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

March 26, 2020 Update

On March 26, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

India: The Department of Posts (India Post) has advised that owing to the suspension of air and rail services, and various other extraordinary measures taken by the Government of India, India Post has suspended all international mail exchanges until further notice. The postal service is being maintained as an essential service: domestic mail exchanges are continuing, and all international mail received before March 22, 2020 are being delivered with limited staff. India Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.
Maldives UPDATE: Maldives Post has advised that the government of Maldives has decided to extend the measures adopted as a precaution against the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Maldives Post is suspending the processing of all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) from March 19, 2020 through April 4, 2020. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of mail. The disruption is expected to continue until the epidemic is over. Consequently, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and a situation of force majeure has been declared.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Posts (Pvt) Ltd. (Zimpost) has advised that, following the suspension of flights into and out of Zimbabwe by its partner airlines, it has suspended all inbound and outbound international mail operations effective March 19, 2020 until further notice. Zimpost is therefore declaring a force majeure situation. It is unable to guarantee inbound and outbound mail standards.

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

March 25, 2020 Update

On March 25, 2020, the Department of Defense notified the Postal Service™ that effective March 25, 2020 through April 15, 2020 military mail will be temporarily suspend to the following ZIP codes, due to the loss of transportation to/from Norway:

City	State	ZIP Code
FPO	AE	09204
FPO	AE	09216
APO	AE	09706

Additionally, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Cayman Islands UPDATE: the Cayman Islands Postal Service has advised that it is now required to suspend all postal operations, owing to measures taken to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 25, 2020 to April 6, 2020, the Cayman Islands Postal Service is closing all operations to comply with a government direction that all but essential workers remain at home during this period.
Chad: Société Tchadienne des Postes et de l’Epargne (STPE) has advised that the government of Chad has decided to close its land borders and suspend all flights, except for cargo, from March 19, 2020 until further notice. Consequently, STPE is no longer able to send postal items to other designated operators or receive postal items from them.
Madagascar: Paositra Malagasy has advised that the Government of Madagascar has declared a state of sanitary emergency for a period of 15 days, with effect from March 21, 2020. These measures are having a severe impact on postal operations. Until further notice, post offices will be operating a minimum service and the delivery of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) is suspended. Consequently, Paositra Malagasy is no longer able to guarantee quality of service for all categories of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items).
Samoa: Samoa Post has advised that the Government of Samoa has declared a state of emergency, with effect from Saturday, March 21, 2020. Samoa has therefore closed its borders and suspended all flights in and out of the country. Samoa Post will be closed from Thursday, March 26, 2020 until further notice; no inbound or outbound mail will be processed during this period.
South Africa: South African Post Office Ltd., has advised that the government has taken a number of steps aimed at reducing social contacts and physical movements to a minimum. In addition, because of the suspension of many flights, exchanges of both inbound and outbound mails are currently blocked. All post offices nationwide will be closed while the country is on lockdown, and all mail classes will be delayed. South African Post Office therefore requests that delivery standards be suspended in this force majeure situation. At present, normal services are due to resume as of April 17, 2020.

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

France UPDATE: La Poste has advised that all its offices of exchange (international processing centers) will be subject to an exceptional closure, as follows:
- On Wednesday, March 25, 2020;
- From Saturday, March 28, to Monday, March 30, 2020.

The delivery of EMS items will be maintained, but may be subject to delays.

Indonesia: Pos Indonesia has advised that operations, for all outbound and inbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS) are being disrupted. Delivery standards cannot be guaranteed; addressee signature on delivery of inbound items has been suspended, and a situation of force majeure has been declared from March 23, 2020 until the situation returns to normal. Pos Indonesia remains committed to keeping its services running as far as the steps being taken in the national interest to protect citizens allow.
United Arab Emirates Emirates Post has advised that a state of alert has been declared, at least until April 2, 2020. Emirates Post is required to take strict ad hoc measures aimed at minimizing human contact, during both sorting and delivery. These are likely to have an impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS). For this reason, service delivery standards cannot currently be guaranteed. While airports remain open, passenger flights to and from the UAE have been suspended. The delivery of international mail will be subject to potential delays until the situation returns to normal. As a result, Emirates Post is unable to offer various services at the moment. The provisions set out above will remain in effect until further notice.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

March 23, 2020 Update

On March 23, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Mauritania: MAURIPOST has advised that the Mauritanian government has taken the decision to close its air borders effective March 18, 2020 until further notice. As a result, MAURIPOST is no longer able to send or receive mail items to or from other countries.
Portugal: CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that given the diminishing number of flights and reduced capacity, CTT Correios de Portugal is temporarily unable to send outbound international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to many destinations outside of Europe, as well as to some European destinations. [See below regarding international items sent from the U.S. to Portugal.]
Sri Lanka: Department of Posts has advised that the Sri Lankan Government has declared a “work from home” period until March 27, 2020 subject to further extension if necessary. The Department of Posts is therefore suspending the processing and delivery of all international inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items until sufficient transport and workforce capacity is available.
As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Bermuda: Bermuda Post Office has advised that all public transportation, including flights into Bermuda, have been suspended effective March 20, 2020. These measures are having a direct impact on postal operations and service quality. Customers should expect delivery delays.
Brazil: Correios has advised the Brazilian Government has introduced a series of measures to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). There may be a severe impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services. Correios can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards (including delivery times and other quality parameters). Additionally, until further notice, letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed for at the moment of handover to the recipient.
Canada UPDATE!: Canada Post confirms that that the surface/air network between USPS and Canada Post is operating smoothly. While processing of domestic and inbound mail from USPS will continue as normal, there may be some delays on certain inbound mail items from USPS due to limited air network capacity. Given the potential for service delays for our customers, Canada Post is treating this situation as a case of force majeure, customers should expect delivery delays.
Colombia: Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72 has advised that customer should expect delivery delays owning to road and border closures and the suspension of airline services affecting logistics operations at the national and international level. Additionally, preventive measures have also been taken to protect administrative and operational personnel.
Greece: Hellenic Post (ELTA) has advised that, owing to the lack of transport capacity following numerous international flight cancellations resulting from measures to limit the transmission of COVID-19, it is currently unable to transport mail to many countries. Effective March, 20 2020, Hellenic Post will only be able to send – with delays expected due to limited capacity – letter-post and parcel-post items destined to:
- Europe (EU and non-EU countries), except Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Serbia, and Slovenia.
- Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Venezuela.
- The above list is subject to change on a daily basis. A situation of force majeure is declared and the acceptance of letter-post and parcel-post items destined to all other countries is suspended with immediate effect, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Guyana: Guyana Post Office Corporation has advised that it received a Government directive on March 18, 2020, stating that staff must work on a rotation basis. This will directly affect all postal operations. Furthermore, all entry ports into Guyana have been closed for 14 days. Therefore, delays are to be expected in the handling and delivery of all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.
Panama: Correos de Panamá has advised that all incoming and outgoing international flights to and from Panama have been suspended effective March 19, 2020. As a result, airlines have cancelled mail transportation until further notice. In view of this situation, transportation services for all categories of mail item (letter post, parcel post and EMS) are suspended until further notice. The postal network, national and international operations centers and national post offices will, however, remain open, but with a reduced workforce and modified working hours. A situation of force majeure clause for quality of service and quality of remunerations for all categories of mail item (letter post, parcel post and EMS) is invoked until further notice.
Portugal: CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that International and domestic operations will continue to operate normally as far as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:
- Post offices will remain open in general (closing over lunchtime);
- For domestic and inbound international items that would normally require a signature, the postwoman or postman will sign for delivery in place of the customer (as already stated in EmIS 115);
- CTT Correios de Portugal is no longer able to guarantee delivery times, observe the standard rules for signature on delivery, or make tracking data available for all shipments.
- Given the diminishing number of flights and reduced capacity, Correios de Portugal is also temporarily unable to send letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to many destinations outside of Europe, as well as to some European destinations.
Thailand: Thailand Post confirms that processing of international inbound items is still proceeding as usual. However, in compliance with the strict ad hoc measures taken by the government, delays may be expected for all types of inbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS). Signature on delivery for international services that would ordinarily require the recipient’s signature is still provided wherever possible. In cases where the recipients refuse to sign, the mail carrier will sign on the recipient’s behalf. The processing of outbound mail to all countries affected by the spread of novel coronavirus is also expected to be subject to delays.
Tonga: Tonga Post Ltd., has advised that that the Government of Tonga has declared a state of emergency for one month effective March 20, 2020, (period subject to extension). Restrictions will be in place in the coming days that will have an impact on postal operations and quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail. The measures will have repercussions on Tonga Post’s ability to keep its sorting and delivery operations running. For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.
Uruguay: Correo Uruguayo, wishes to inform the designated operators of other UPU member countries of the following measures to minimize the spread of the coronavirus:
- Staff numbers in postal facilities are being reduced as far as possible, and teleworking introduced where feasible;
- Direct physical contacts are being minimized, and appropriate hygienic measures introduced;
- Post offices with large numbers of customers are being kept closed, with special collection points set up directly with customers.

The above steps, along with the suspension and reduction of international flights and connections, will impact inbound and outbound postal operations and delivery. Customers should expect delivery delays.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

March 19, 2020 Update

On March 19, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended certain mail services:

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Posts plc has advised that it is currently not able to send letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to many countries inside and outside the European Union, with the list changing on a daily basis. For this reason, Bulgarian Posts has ceased to accept any outbound EMS items destined to international locations. The company will continue to accept letter-post and parcel-post items sent to destinations for which transport capacity is still available. Customers should expect delays for all inbound and outbound mail until further notice.
Cyprus: Cyprus Post has advised that effective Saturday, March 21, 2020; all commercial flights to Cyprus are suspended for 14 days. Cyprus Post is therefore suspending all outgoing dispatches to international destinations. [Note: see below regarding change for mail destined to Cyprus.]
Morocco: Poste Maroc has advised that following the suspension of international commercial air traffic, it is suspending outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to international destinations until normal flight operations resume. [Note: see below regarding change for mail destined to Morocco.]

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

The following countries have announced service disruptions:

Austria: Österreichische Post AG has advised that it is currently unable to send letters and parcels to a constantly increasing number of countries both within and outside of the European Union due to the suspension of flights from Austria. Therefore, Österreichische Post AG has stopped accepting letter-post and parcel-post items for those destinations to where transportation is unavailable. Delivery standards and times can no longer be guaranteed until the situation has returned to normal. Additionally, all items that require the addressee’s signature are now deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on their premises, with signature by the mail carrier on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the mail carrier will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf.
Belgium: bpost has advised that operations will continue to operate normally as far as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:
- Post offices will remain open in general, but will be closed on Saturdays;
- For domestic and inbound international items that would normally require a signature, the mail carrier will sign for delivery in place of the customer (but in the customer’s presence);
- bpost is no longer able to guarantee delivery times, standard rules for signature on delivery, or availability of tracking data for shipments.

Furthermore, in common with many other postal operators, given the diminishing number of flights and reduced capacity, bpost is temporarily unable to send outbound international mail and parcels (letter post, parcel post and EMS) to destinations outside Europe

Cyprus: Cyprus Post has advised that effective Saturday, March 21, 2020; all commercial flights to Cyprus are suspended for 14 days. Therefore, until further notice, all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined to Cyprus will be sent by alternative transportation (e.g. surface). Customers should expect delivery delays.
Djibouti: La Poste has advised that Djibouti has suspended all international flights arriving in and departing from Djibouti, with the exception of cargo flights, until further notice. Therefore, delays are expected in the handling and delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Finland: Posti and Åland Post have advised that owing to a lack of transport capacity, they are currently unable to transport outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to many international destinations. Effective March 18, 2020, Posti and Åland Post will only be able to transport letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for the countries listed below, with delays to be expected owing to limited capacity:
- All EU countries, with the exception of Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Slovakia and Spain;
- Australia, Canada, China (People’s Rep.), Israel, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.
France: La Poste has advised that the French Government has reinforced the measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. La Poste’s network and national and international operational centres remain open and continue to operate. However, given the reduced workforce, La Poste can no longer guarantee delivery lead times, the collection of signatures on delivery, delivery to the addressee in person, tracking of items (scanning and shipment lead times), the processing of items for reimbursement, and insured items. This concerns in particular registered letters, tracked small packets with signature, parcels and EMS items. Additionally, numerous post offices are closed, and the opening hours of those remaining open have been reduced.
Georgia: Georgian Post has advised that the Government of Georgia has taken measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As these measures include the self-quarantine of staff, significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items. Severe delays are also to be expected for outbound mail to all destinations, as a result of flight suspensions. Indirect delivery methods will be implemented temporarily for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for Georgian Post to collect and provide written proof of delivery.
Liechtenstein: Liechtensteinische Post has advised that all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring a signature upon delivery are no longer being signed when handed over to the addressee. For such items, the mail carrier will leave a note in the signature field of the handheld device. This temporary measure will apply until further notice.
Mauritius: Mauritius Post has advised that all post offices are closed until 2 April 2020. As a result, severe delays are to be expected in the processing, transport and delivery of both inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items due to the suspension of postal services and various flight cancellations. Moreover, signature on delivery will no longer be required at the time delivery is made. Instead, the mail carrier will ask the recipient’s name and will record it on the delivery receipt.
Mexico: Correos de México has advised that, owing to the cancellation of international flights it is facing significant disruption to its operations. Until further notice, only services to Canada and the United States of America will be maintained. Customers should expect delivery delays.
Morocco: Poste Maroc has advised that incoming mail has been processed and delivered as normal. However, delivery services may suffer certain delays, because of limited staff in processing and delivery centers. Postal parcels, EMS items and registered mail are being delivered without the addressee’s signature being requested. For such items, the mail carrier will the addressee for their identity card number and record it. This exceptional March 17, 2020, and will remain in effect until further notice.
New Caledonia: OPT–NC has advised that owing to the reduction in the number of flights offered by partner airlines, and new measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19, the shipment of inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items is currently limited to mainland France only. OPT–NC is ceasing to accept any mail originating from other Union member countries with immediate effect. For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring a signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by that of the mail carrier or OPT–NC agent. Customers should expect delivery delays.
North Macedonia: Post of North Macedonia has advised that the government has officially declared a state of emergency for 30 days from March 19, 2020, (period subject to extension). Skopje Airport is closed to all international flights until further notice. Exchanges of mail with the designated operators of neighbouring countries are being organized where possible. This situation will have a major impact on operations, and quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items. This is expected to remain the case until the end of the pandemic.
Poland: Poczta Polska has advised that until further notice delivery delays are should be expected for all types of inbound and outbound EMS, parcel-post and letter-post items. Additionally, Poczta Polska has stopped accepting outbound international mail until further notice, with the exception of mail destined to: Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
Switzerland: Swiss Post Ltd has advised that owing to the cancellation of most international flights it is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to any countries outside the European Union, with the exception of: Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Delays are also to be expected for postal items destined for the member countries listed above.
Vietnam: VNPost has advised that delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to the following locations may be delayed:

Ha Noi (100000–159999)	Hai Phong (180000–189999)	Quang Ninh (200000–209999)
Soc Trang (950000–959999)	Hung Yen (160000–169999)	Quang Binh (510000–519999)
Quang Nam (560000–569999)	Da Nang (550000–559999)	Hau Giang (910000–919999)
Binh Dinh (590000–599999)	Bac Giang (230000–239999)	Hue (530000–539999)
Thai Nguyen (250000–259999)	Ninh Thuan (660000–669999)	Kien Giang (920000–929999)
Quang Tri (520000–529999)	Ha Tinh (480000–489999)	Nghe An (460000–479999)
Ninh Binh (430000–439999)	Ho Chi Minh (700000–769999)	Thanh Hoa (440000–459999)

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

March 20, 2020 Update

March 19, 2020 Update

Following are the updates received today from the UPU concerning service impacts due to COVID-19:

Slovenia – Suspended signature on delivery for inbound items insofar as possible. In order to avoid human contact, Pošta Slovenije will deliver items using alternative delivery methods where possible. This includes delivery to agreed locations without physical contact (e.g. P.O. boxes, mailboxes, parcel lockers) and delivery without signature (to this end, a new “contact-free delivery” status for internal items has been introduced within the domestic Track & Trace system).

Malaysia – Delays are expected in processing, transportation and delivery of both incoming and outgoing international shipments of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, owing to suspension of services, cancellation of flights, shutdown of airports and implementation of preventative measures to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. The dispatching of all outbound airmails (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to the following countries is expected to be severely delayed:
- Canada and United States of America (from 30 March 2020):

For inbound mail deliveries, letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items will be handled as follows:

Items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. Instead, the postman will ask for the recipient’s name and will enter this information in the signature field of the handheld device or delivery manifest. This temporary measure came into force from Monday, 16 March 2020 and remains in effect until further notice. For delivery of items to a mail room, the addressee will receive a text message or telephone call. Deliveries to premises or areas needing to be closed down due to COVID-19 are suspended.

Tunisia – The Government of Tunisia has decided to close all air and land borders, with effect from 18 March 2020 and until further notice. Consequently, the main partner airline “Tunisair” has suspended all commercial flights for an undefined period. La Poste Tunisienne is therefore no longer able to send or receive postal items to or from other designated operators.

United Kingdom – Royal Mail Group can no longer guarantee service delivery standards (including delivery times and other quality parameters) applicable under UPU and associated or related bilateral and multilateral agreements. Also, Royal Mail and Parcelforce have had to change their delivery process for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery. As from 13 March 2020, items requiring a signature on delivery will not always be signed for by the recipient. Instead, in these exceptional and difficult circumstances, where the recipient has not been able to sign for the item but has duly received it, a code (XP1) will be entered into the handheld device, and this will constitute evidence of receipt.

Hong Kong – Hongkong Post asks us to inform other Union member countries and their designated operators that the processing of all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) is now back to normal.

Singapore –

Inbound mail items (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS)

Signature on delivery will be suspended with immediate effect for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items. However, tracked confirmation of deliveries will be provided via the usual tracking event scans for products that allow tracking. All letter-box-sized items (including registered, tracked, parcel and EMS items) will be deposited in letter boxes. For items larger than letter-box size, delivery will be made to parcel locker stations (POP stations), post offices or collection points (in descending order of priority) for collection by the addressee. The provision of the addressee’s mobile number on all items, if possible, will expedite the above process. For items for which no mobile number has been provided, delayed delivery is to be expected. It will not be mandatory for Singapore Post to provide written proof of delivery, and delivery will be deemed to have occurred when collection is confirmed at the designated collection points. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact. However, these measures will have an impact on quality of service for all types of inbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). This impact is expected to last until the end of the pandemic. Accordingly, inbound service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed until the situation returns to normal.

All outbound mail items (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS)

Owing to the suspension and cancellation of many flights to and from Singapore, as a result of the rapid spread of COVID-19, severe delays for all outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) conveyed via air transport are to be expected until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.

Israel – Suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. For safety reasons, delivery will be conducted via methods that restrict direct contact, with immediate effect. For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery, no signature will be required and the item will be left at the door, after being scanned and photographed to ensure that delivery has been made. If possible, the name of the addressee shall be recorded.

Ireland – Suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact, with immediate effect.

Norway – Owing to the lack of transport capacity following numerous cancellations of international flights resulting from authorities’ measures to limit the transmission of COVID-19, the postal operator of Norway, Posten Norge AS, is currently unable to send postal items to any countries outside the European Union, with the exception of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Liechtenstein, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Posten Norge AS is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept postal items destined for member countries not listed above, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available. Delays are also to be expected for postal items destined to member countries listed above.

Malta – All letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. For these items, the postman/woman will ask for the recipient’s name and ID number, and this information will be entered by the postman/woman in the signature field on the registration barcode sticker.

Turkey – Quality of service for all types of inbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation returns to normal.

Myanmar – Suspended all passenger flights from and to Yangon International Airport, with effect from 18 March 2020 until 30 April 2020 inclusive. Owing to this situation, Myanmar Post will be unable to provide outbound mail services (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to international destinations and is therefore ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items until passenger flights resume at Yangon International Airport.

Suriname – The country is in “lockdown”. The government has decided not to allow international flights until further notice. Quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter post, parcels and EMS) is impacted. For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation returns to normal.

Canada – Canada Post is experiencing significant disruption to its daily operations owing to exceptional precautionary measures, including the temporary closure of many institutions (schools, universities, public institutions, etc.) and self-quarantine for affected individuals. There is also considerable disruption with regard to airlines and other transport providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services. Canada Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure in relation to all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, as a result of the global spread of COVID-19.

In response to directives issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada and pursuant to its commitment to preserve the health and safety of its employees and of Canadians, Canada Post is making changes to its delivery procedures in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Until further notice, it will no longer request a signature for any deliveries. Instead, its delivery agents will apply “safe drop” procedures whenever it is possible to do so. If such procedures are not possible, the delivery agent will leave a delivery notice card indicating the retail location from which the item can be collected. A delivery notice card will be left for the addressee for all registered items and items requiring the payment of duties and taxes.

Ecuador – All postal services in Ecuador are suspended with immediate effect until further notice.

Armenia – Owing to the suspension of flights resulting from the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, the postal operator of Armenia expects serious delays in processing of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel post and EMS items) from 19 March 2020 until further notice. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel post and EMS items). Delivery may be performed via methods that restrict direct contact. For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature may be replaced in the signature field by the postman/postwoman’s signature, together with the delivery code.

Serbia – Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has made organizational changes regarding the acceptance, processing and delivery of all inbound and outbound mail products (letter-post, parcel post and EMS items), and the changes made will affect domestic and international quality of service. For this reason, Public Enterprise Post of Serbia cannot guarantee service delivery standards during the current state of force majeure, and will be able to do so only once the situation has returned to normal.

Croatia – A special process for postal items subject to signature upon delivery has been introduced as from Wednesday, 18 March 2020. For registered or insured items, parcels and EMS items, the item will be placed in the addressee’s mailbox or deposited at the front door of their house or flat. In the signature field, the postman will enter “C-19” to indicate that the item has been delivered without the recipient’s signature.

Austria – The Austrian government has extended the measures aimed at slowing the pandemic spread of the corona virus, Covid-19. Postal services will be affected by the regulatory measures. The measures will be in effect at least until 14th of April 2020 and may be amended from time to time. As long as these regulatory measures are in place, the Austrian Post will no longer be able to meet all of its contractual obligations, in particular the quality delivery standards, in full.

March 18, 2020 Update

The United States Postal Service is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and continues to follow strategies and measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health departments. The CDC has information available on its website at https://www.coronavirus.gov that provides the latest information about COVID-19. We are sharing the CDC’s guidance to our employees via stand-up talks, employee news articles, messages on bulletin boards, videos and an intranet site directly to employees and within USPS workplaces.

The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html), the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses), and the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.

The Postal Service has so far experienced only minor operational impacts in the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We do continue to have a temporary suspension of the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International destined for China and Hong Kong, which has been effective since Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, due to widespread airline cancellations and restrictions into this area. In addition, customers may see delays in mail and packages destined to China as well as from China, as well as to and from European countries subject to restricted passenger airline travel. The Postal Service is undertaking all reasonable measures to minimize the impact to our customers.

In addition, the Postal Service is an essential service for purposes of its compliance with state or municipality shelter-in-place orders or other social distancing restrictions. The Postal Service delivers medications, social security checks, and is the leading delivery service for on-line purchases. The statute that created the Postal Service begins with the following sentence. “The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by an Act of Congress, and supported by the people.” 39 U.S.C. §101(a).

March 18, 2020 Update

On March 18, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended some or all mail services:

Cayman Islands: Cayman Islands Postal Service has advised that the government has suspended all international flights. Therefore, the processing of all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items will be suspended from March 20, 2020, through April 12, 2020.
French Polynesia: OPT PF – FARE RATA has advised that it is currently unable to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items until March 31, 2020.
Lebanon: LibanPost has advised that all passenger flights to and from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport have been suspended until March 29, 2020. Owing to this situation, LibanPost will be unable to offer outbound mail services (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to international destinations.
Maldives: Maldives Post has advised that it is suspending the processing of all inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items until March 28, 2020.
Mongolia: Mongol Post, has advised that all international flights to and from Ulaanbaatar are suspended until March 30, 2020, or later. Mongol Post is temporarily closing its international mail center until April 1, 2020.
Tunisia: La Poste Tunisienne has advised that all international flights in and out of Tunisia have been suspended. Therefore, the processing of all letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items will be suspended until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

Additionally, the following countries have announced service disruptions:

Chile: CorreosChile has advised that the following service changes are in affect for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items:

1. Owing to a lack of international air transport capacity, international outbound mail has been suspended to all countries except Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay;
2. International inbound mail addressed to Easter Island will no longer be accepted;
3. There will be delays in the processing and delivery of international inbound mail;
4. Signature on delivery for international inbound mail will be suspended and replaced by delivery methods that limit direct physical contact.

Germany: Deutsche Post has announced changes for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery. Beginning March 13, 2020, items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature can now be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on their premises, with signature by the mail carrier on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the mail carrier will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf.
Honduras: Empresa de Correos de Honduras (Honducor) has advised that the entire territory of Honduras is under quarantine until at least March 21, 2020, or later. As a result, Honducor significantly reduced its workforce across the logistics chain the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.
Jamaica: Jamaica Post has advised that from March 18, 2020, through March 24, 2020, Jamaica Post will be implementing a restructured operations program and will be unable to guarantee delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, owing to adjusted operating hours of post offices and postal agencies. Customers should expect delays.
Philippines: Philippine Postal Corporation has advised that an enhanced community quarantine has been imposed in Metropolitan Manila and rest of Luzon island and several areas on Visayas and Mindanao islands, effective through April 12, 2020. Philippine Postal Corporation it will operate as follows during the community quarantine:

1. International mail processing centers will maintain a skeleton staff, in order to accept incoming mail until the total lockdown of international air and sea transport on March 20, 2020.
2. All post offices in areas placed under quarantine are closed.

Romania: Poșta Română has advised that new travel restrictions have led to massive cancellations of international flights. Owing to the suspension of air services to a number of international destinations, Poșta Română‎ is facing difficulties sending international postal items, and delays are to be expected for all types of inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

Please see the most recent USPS Industry Alert, DMM Advisory and additional information received from the UPU concerning service impacts due to COVID-19:

Lebanon – The processing of all inbound and outbound international mail conveyed via passenger air transport has been suspended until further notice.

Maldives – Suspended the processing of all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) from 19 to 28 March 2020. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). The disruption is expected to continue until the epidemic is over.

Philippines – As part of the enhanced community quarantine in Metropolitan Manila and rest of Luzon island, a total lockdown of international air and sea transport will be imposed with effect from 20 March 2020. Domestic air, land and sea transport in areas subject to community quarantine have been under total lockdown since 13 March 2020.

In view of this situation, Philippine Postal Corporation will operate as follows during the community quarantine, from 13 March to 12 April 2020:

1. International mail processing centres will maintain a skeleton staff, in order to accept incoming international dispatches until the total lockdown of international air and sea transport on 20 March 2020.
2. All post offices in areas placed under quarantine are closed.

Chile – International inbound mail addressed to Easter Island will no longer be accepted; There will be delays in the processing and delivery of international inbound mail; Signature on delivery for international inbound mail will be suspended and replaced by delivery methods that limit direct physical contact.

Tunisia – Suspended all international flights arriving in and departing from Tunisia, owing to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with effect from 18 March 2020 and until further notice. La Poste Tunisienne is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing to accept letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
French Polynesia – Unable to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items from any Union member countries. OPT PF – FARE RATA is thus declaring a case of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items from any Union member countries until 31 March 2020.
Honduras – Correspondence of all kinds will not be handled according to the usual delivery times and quality measurement requirements.

Jamaica – Implementing a restructured operations programme. This will have an impact on the processing of all inbound and outbound mail, as follows:
- Inability to guarantee delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, owing to adjusted opening hours of post offices and postal agencies.

Germany – In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus and in the interest of the health and safety of Deutsche Post staff, special processes have been put in place for postal items subject to signature upon delivery as from Friday, 13 March 2020. Parcels and registered items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature can now be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on their premises, with signature by the postman/postwoman on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the postman/postwoman will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf. These measures are aimed at avoiding contact between the recipient and the portable device.

Romania – Travel restrictions have led to massive cancellations of international flights. Owing to the suspension of air services to a number of international destinations, Poșta Română‎ is facing difficulties sending international postal items, and delays are to be expected for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter post, parcels and EMS). This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service.
Cayman Islands – Suspended all international flights arriving in and departing from the jurisdiction, owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With immediate effect, Cayman Islands Postal Service is unable to accept further inbound mail, and will be unable to send outbound mail from 20 March 2020 to 12 April 2020. It is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing to accept letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.

March 17, 2020 Update

On March 17, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have suspended some or all mail services:

Kuwait: Kuwait Postal Sector has suspended all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items) until further notice.
Moldova: Posta Moldovei has suspended all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.
Norway: Posten Norge AS has advised that it is unable to send letter mail to all countries outside the European Union except for the following: Arab Emirates, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey.
Peru: Servicios Postales del Perú – SERPOST S.A, has suspended all delivery of domestic and international mail for 15 days, and Jorge Chavez International Airport has been closed. Therefore, postal services in Peru are suspended until March 30, 2020.

As a convenience for our customers, the Postal Service will continue to accept and process mail destined for the aforementioned countries. This mail will be held within our network and will be delivered once mail service is restored.

Additionally, the following countries have announced service disruptions:

Estonia: Estonian Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Where possible, items will be delivered to mailboxes; otherwise, they will be delivered in person, but without signature. The courier will enter the recipient’s name in the handheld device, but in place of the signature, there will be the indication “Courier”. This temporary measure will last until further notice.
Latvia: Latvijas Pasts has advised that the processing of all inbound and outbound international mail conveyed via passenger air transport has been suspended until further notice. Latvijas Pasts will strive to find alternative means to convey its outbound mail by truck or cargo air transport. However, there may be significant delays in the meantime. For preventive purposes, shipments are stored in a warehouse for 72 hours prior to transport. Customers should expect delays.
Luxemburg: Post Luxembourg has advised that delivery will be conducted via methods that restrict direct contact. For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by the mail carrier’s signature, together with the delivery code, in the signature field.
New Zealand: New Zealand Post has announced changes for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery. Effective immediately, the mail carrier will ask for the recipient’s name (to record proof of delivery), and leave the item on the doorstep. The person receiving the item will not sign for the delivery directly. If no one comes to the door and there is no Parcel Leave service in place, the carrier will leave a card with details of the delivery, and return the item to the Post Office. This temporary measure will remain in effect until further notice.
Panama: Correos de Panama has advised that it is currently unable to send outgoing mail (letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items) to the following destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania; Certain Latin American countries (Argentina, Aruba, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, Bolivia).
Additionally, delays are expected in the delivery of all inbound items to addressees in Panama.
Portugal: CTT Correios de Portugal has announced changes for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery. Effective immediately, the mail carrier will ask the recipient for their given name and family name, and will enter this information, followed by “CV19”, in the signature field on the handheld device. This temporary measure will remain in effect until further notice.
Slovenia: Pošta Slovenije has advised that significant delays are to be expected for all inbound and outbound letter post, parcel post and EMS items until the end of the epidemic. Furthermore, should the situation worsen, it will be forced to temporarily suspend the acceptance of mail for destinations outside Slovenia to which transport is not available.
Spain: Correos y Telégrafos has advised that many airlines have cancelled their flights to Madrid. As a result, the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.

These service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

For the latest news regarding international service disruptions, visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and DMM Advisories are available on Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com)

March 16, 2020 Update

On March 16, 2020, the Postal Service™ received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Australia: Australia Post has advised that written proof of delivery is suspended, until further notice, for inbound items.
Austria: Austrian Post has advised that significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail until April 14, or until regulatory measures are lifted. As a result, customers should expect delivery delays for all letters and parcels.
Cyprus: Cyprus Post has advised that significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound letter-post, parcel-post and Express Mail Service (EMS) items. Postal items that would ordinarily require written proof of delivery may, with the addressee’s consent, be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on the addressee’s premises, with signature by the mail carrier.
El Salvador: Correos de El Salvador has advised that it will need to reduce its workforce across the logistics chain. As a result, customers should expect delivery delays for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.
Lithuania: Lithuania Post, has advised that all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will be delivered to customers indirectly. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for mail carriers to collect and provide written proof of delivery.
Netherlands: PostNL has advised that all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the time of delivery. For these items, the mail carrier will ask the recipient for the last three digits of the recipient’s ID reference number, and this information will be entered by the carrier in the signature field on their handheld device. This temporary measure will be effective until further notice.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Post has advised that all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will be delivered to customers indirectly. The mandatory written proof of delivery will be suspended and instead delivery will be based on a code sent to the addressee’s mobile phone.
The service disruptions affect Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag® items.

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