An Post tracking: statuses, missed deliveries and contact

An Post tracking number format

An Post's own numbers follow the international postal format: two letters, nine digits and IE. The last of the nine digits is a check digit, so one typo turns a valid number into a meaningless one.

A shop puts the number in its shipping email; it may also share your phone or email with An Post, which then texts or emails you about the delivery. From someone else, ask whether they used a tracked service: untracked post has no number. A parcel from abroad shows on An Post's tracking only once An Post has scanned it in Ireland. Lost the number? See how to find your tracking number.

An Post tracking statuses explained

An Post writes its statuses in English, even on its Irish-language (Gaeilge) site. These are the ones a parcel usually meets, in order:

On the website the first step can read Sender/retailer has shared details of your item to An Post. If tracking said An Post had the item before that message, the sender simply sent the details late, and An Post says delivery goes on as normal. If a long time passes between the details and the parcel itself, ask the shop.

We don't have information on your parcel yet means An Post hasn't scanned it yet, the item isn't tracked, or another company delivers it. An expired number looks the same. On items leaving Ireland, Your item arrived abroad... means the destination's post tracks it from there.

An Post missed delivery, collection and parcel lockers

An Post tries to deliver at least once. If nobody can accept the parcel, it leaves a "Sorry we missed you" notice (also called a Docket In Box) saying how to get it. Tracking shows an attempt but there's no notice? An Post tries again in the next delivery slot, usually the next day.

Collecting. The parcel goes back to your local Delivery Service Unit. Bring the notice and ID such as a driving licence. Someone else can collect it with the notice signed by you and their own ID. An Post holds missed items for:

• 5 working days for Standard Post and Express Post
• 3 working days for registered post
• 16 working days for items from abroad

After that, An Post tries to return the item to the sender.

Redelivery. Free, one request per item, booked online with the notice's details when the notice offers it. It takes about 3 to 5 working days, and any customs charge must be paid first.

Safe spot. In your An Post account or app you can set a safe, dry place out of view or a neighbour. A photo confirms where the parcel was left; you can see it for 7 calendar days when logged in. Registered post must be signed for, so it is never left there.

Parcel Lockers. An Post may text you delivery options, including a locker, and send a PIN by SMS. The locker holds the parcel 48 hours, then it waits five more days at the depot.

An Post parcel delayed, lost or held at customs

Not moving. Once a parcel is in the hub, An Post asks you to allow up to 5 working days. Some UK retailers don't send the electronic customs data non-EU parcels need, which can delay or return them. See why tracking stops updating.

Customs charges. Items from outside the EU, Great Britain included, can carry VAT, customs duty and An Post's €6.95 administration fee, all paid by you before delivery. You get a postcard, plus an email or SMS if the sender shared your details. Pay online or at any post office within 10 working days, or the item goes back to the sender. The rules change: check An Post's customs page and Peek's customs guide.

Missing or delayed. Use An Post's online enquiry form, or pick up an enquiry form at a post office or delivery office. Senders and recipients can both complain: within one month of receiving an item in Ireland, or six months from posting for international items. Compensation is usually paid in stamps; Registered Post covers the value declared at posting.

An Post contact number and customer service

As listed on anpost.com on 11 October 2026:

• Phone: +353 1 705 7600, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am to 2.00pm.
• Webchat: on the Contact Us page, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm.
• WhatsApp: linked from the same page, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
• OscarBot: a chatbot in the Help & Support Hub, around the clock.
• Social: a Facebook message or a DM to @Postvox on X.
• Forms: the contact form and the enquiry form at forms.anpost.ie/enquiry.

An Post lists no customer email address. An unsettled complaint can go to the An Post Customer Advocate, then ComReg.

Tracking An Post parcels with Peek

Peek recognises a valid number of two letters, nine digits and IE as An Post's straight away. An anpost.com Track History link with item= or barcode= works too. No postcode needed.

An Post's scans carry no time zone, so Peek doesn't show An Post's own scan list. It takes the dated history from universal tracking services, asks An Post again every 6 hours and, if no service answers, shows An Post's current status, dated when Peek saw it. Statuses keep An Post's English wording. Peek can notify you when the status changes.

It drops your name, the signatory, references and the proof of delivery, and An Post gives no expected delivery day. Numbers ending in another country's letters go to that country's post, not An Post, and scans relayed from abroad aren't followed.

Questions about An Post tracking

Where is the tracking number on my An Post receipt?

It is the Track ID. The trans ref ID on the same receipt only records the transaction and won't track anything.

How long does An Post keep parcels for collection?

5 working days for Standard and Express Post, 3 for registered post and 16 for items from abroad. A parcel in a locker stays 48 hours, then five more days at the depot.

Can I track a parcel from the UK with An Post?

Yes, once An Post has scanned it in Ireland, under its original number. Before that, it won't show on An Post's tracking.