Free tool
What is the last day to ship?
Select your destination and carrier — the calculator tells you the last day to post for Christmas, Valentine's Day or any custom date.
Practical tips
3 rules for safe Christmas shipping
Always add +2 days buffer
The transit times in the calculator already include a 2-day buffer on top of maximum transit. But before Christmas carriers operate at full capacity — shipments can be delayed even longer. If it truly matters, add another 2–3 days.
Fill in CN22/CN23 correctly
Incorrectly completed customs forms are the main cause of shipment delays. For parcels outside the EU always include CN22 or CN23 with an English description of the contents — otherwise the shipment will be stuck at customs and miss Christmas.
Track your shipment actively
Enable SMS/email notifications on your shipment status from the carrier. If the shipment is held at customs or delivery fails, you will be notified in time and can react.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
By when must I post a parcel for it to arrive by Christmas 2026?
It depends on the destination and carrier. Central EU (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, etc.): standard post ~19 Dec. USA: standard post ~3 Dec, DHL Express ~14 Dec. Australia: standard ~22 Nov, express ~5 Dec. Carriers announce exact deadlines in November — check their websites.
Why are deadlines for overseas countries so early?
Air freight to the USA takes 3–5 days, but shipments pass through customs where they can wait additional days. Standard post travels on cargo aircraft without priority — a shipment may wait for a flight for another 5–7 days. In total the transit adds up to 16–28 days. That is why USA deadlines for standard post fall at the beginning of December.
Is DHL Express reliable for Christmas deadlines?
DHL Express is the most reliable for meeting deadlines — it offers a guaranteed delivery time. The downside is price: a 1 kg shipment to the USA via DHL Express costs roughly €60–100, while standard post is €25–35. For Christmas we recommend DHL Express for shipments sent after 10 December to distant destinations.
Do deadlines also apply to Packeta / Zásilkovna?
Packeta / Zásilkovna covers only Czech and Slovak domestic routes and nearby Central EU countries (PL, HU, RO...). You cannot use them for overseas destinations. Within CZ/SK they deliver until 23 Dec (if posted by 22 Dec).