Couriers
Royal Mail International Tracking lets you follow your parcel as it moves through the postal system, from the UK to its destination country. It gives delivery updates along the way, so you know when to expect your package and where it was last scanned.
This guide explains how the tracking process works, what services are available (like International Tracked and Tracked & Signed), how long delivery usually takes, and what to do if tracking doesn’t update.

To track an international parcel with Royal Mail, you’ll need a reference or tracking number. You can find this on your receipt or in your shipping confirmation email. Once you have it, visit the Royal Mail website or a third-party tracking platform like Ship24 and enter the number in the tracking field. You’ll see the current status, delivery history, and estimated delivery date.
Yes. With Ship24, you can track Royal Mail parcels across multiple countries and postal systems using just the tracking number. This includes updates from Royal Mail and its international delivery partners.
Tracking is available on several Royal Mail international delivery services, including:
This service offers tracking plus a delivery signature. It’s often used for important or time-sensitive parcels. Tracking is available from dispatch to delivery, and a signature is required at the final hand-off.
| Service | Europe | Worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| International Tracked | 3–5 business days | 5–7 business days |
| International Tracked & Signed | 3–5 business days | 5–7 business days |
| International Standard | 6–7 business days | 10–14 business days |
Several factors can impact how long it takes for your Royal Mail international parcel to arrive:
There are a few common reasons why your tracking information may not be updating:
If no updates appear for several days, contact Royal Mail customer service for help.
Yes. Once the parcel leaves the UK, updates may come from the local postal provider in the destination country. In some cases, you can enter the same tracking number on the local post’s website for more detailed updates.
If you need help with your tracked parcel, here’s how to reach Royal Mail:
Have your tracking number ready when you call to get quicker support.
You’ll receive a tracking number when you send a parcel using an international service that includes tracking. It’s printed on your receipt or sent in your confirmation email. Make sure to keep it handy so you can check the delivery status later.
Yes. Once your parcel leaves the UK, updates may continue through the delivery partner in the destination country. Some partners let you track the parcel on their website using the same tracking number.
If your tracking hasn’t changed in a while, your parcel might still be in transit or waiting for a scan at the next stop. It can also take longer during customs checks or handovers to other postal services.
Delivery usually takes 3 to 5 business days within Europe and 5 to 7 business days worldwide. These times can vary depending on the destination and customs processing.
Both services include tracking, but Tracked & Signed also requires a signature when the parcel is delivered. It’s often used when delivery confirmation is important.
If the tracking number isn’t valid, no results will appear. Double-check the number from your receipt or confirmation email and try again. Contact Royal Mail if you’re unsure.
You can call Royal Mail from the UK at 03456 000 606 or from abroad at +44 1752 206 983. Support is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.