THE SA Post Office (SAPO) has announced its international mail cut-off dates for the 2026 festive season, urging customers to send letters and parcels early to ensure they reach recipients abroad in time for Christmas.

In its statement, SAPO said the deadlines vary according to the destination and whether items are sent by surface mail or airmail.

Acting CEO Fathima Gany advised customers to check the relevant dates and allow sufficient time for international processing and transportation.

She encouraged customers to prepare their festive mail well in advance to minimise potential delivery delays during the busy Christmas period.

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“We encourage customers to prepare their Christmas mail in advance, ensure that recipients’ addresses are complete and accurate and parcels are securely packaged. Customers should also retain proof of posting and tracking information where applicable,” said Gany.

Customers who require further information can visit their nearest post office or contact customer service on 0860 111 502.

Deadlines

For surface mail, the earliest cut-off dates fall on October 23, covering destinations including Australia (Sydney), China (Hong Kong), Singapore, Mauritius (Port Louis), Japan (Yokohama), Taiwan (Keelung), Colombo, Réunion and the Seychelles (Mahé).

Customers sending items to Germany (Hamburg) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam) have until November 17 while the deadline for Southampton in the UK is November 20. SAPO also listed New York in the US (USNEK) as closed for surface mail.

Customers using the airmail service through the Germiston Office of Exchange have until December 10 to post international items, regardless of the destination country.

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