Bank holidays in the UK are known for causing temporary disruption to everyday services—and parcel deliveries are no exception. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting a delivery or planning to ship items to customers, it’s important to understand how Evri (formerly Hermes) operates during these national holidays. Knowing what to expect can help you plan and avoid unnecessary delays or confusion.
Do Evri Deliver on Bank Holidays? In this guide, you’ll find clear information on Evri’s bank holiday delivery policies, the potential impact on parcel movements, and how to prepare, whether you’re a sender or a recipient.
Do Evri Deliver on Bank Holidays in the UK?
Evri’s Bank Holiday Delivery Policy
In general, Evri does not operate delivery or collection services on UK bank holidays. This means that parcels are neither picked up nor delivered on these days, and no tracking updates are processed until the next working day.
This policy applies to all major services, including:
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Standard delivery (2–3 working days)
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Next-day delivery
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Retailer-partnered express delivery services
Unless a specific arrangement is made by a retailer, or you’ve purchased a specialised delivery upgrade (which is rare for bank holidays), your parcel is likely to be delayed. Check this Saturday and Sunday delivery options too.
Official Statement from Evri
Evri has publicly confirmed that delivery services are suspended on the following major UK public holidays:
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New Year’s Day
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Good Friday
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Easter Monday
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Early May Bank Holiday
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Spring Bank Holiday
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Summer Bank Holiday
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Christmas Day
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Boxing Day
If your parcel was dispatched just before or during one of these holidays, you can expect a pause in movement and updates until normal operations resume.
Even if your tracking status shows “in transit” or “on its way,” the parcel will most likely remain stationary until the next working day.
Are There Any Exceptions?
In some cases, limited delivery services may be offered on less disruptive bank holidays, such as the Early May Bank Holiday or Summer Bank Holiday. However, availability is influenced by several factors:
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Your delivery location: Urban areas may see limited courier activity, while rural regions are more likely to have full service suspensions.
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The retailer’s shipping policy: Some retailers have arrangements with Evri for faster or premium holiday dispatch.
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The type of delivery service selected: If you paid for an upgraded delivery option, you may receive your parcel slightly faster, but bank holiday exceptions are rare.
To avoid miscommunication or delays, always check your Evri tracking status during bank holiday periods. Tracking may be temporarily paused, even if your parcel has already been dispatched.
What Happens If You Send or Receive Parcels Around a Bank Holiday?
Package delivery and receipt are impacted by bank holidays. Here’s what you can expect if you’re posting or awaiting a delivery near one of these holidays:
Delivery Delays
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Parcels are not processed or delivered on bank holidays, regardless of service type.
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Your estimated delivery window may shift by 1 to 2 working days.
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Until the following business day starts, tracking updates can seem to be frozen.
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During peak seasons, such as Christmas or Easter, delays can stretch to 48–72 hours due to backlogs and increased demand.
Parcel Collection Delays
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On bank holidays, Evri couriers usually don’t pick up packages from residences or ParcelShops.
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If you scheduled a pickup, it will usually be rescheduled automatically to the next working day.
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If you drop off a parcel at a ParcelShop on a bank holiday, it may remain there until the next courier collection—typically on the following business day.
How to Minimise Delays as a Sender
If you’re dispatching items around a bank holiday, consider the following tips:
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Post early to avoid missing courier collection cut-offs before the holiday.
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Clearly communicate potential delays to your customers.
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Use tracked services to monitor your parcel’s status once service resumes.
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Avoid scheduling returns or time-sensitive shipments just before a known holiday.
How to Stay Informed as a Recipient
If you’re waiting for a parcel:
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Keep a close eye on your tracking number through Evri’s website or mobile app.
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Be patient—expect minor delays even after service resumes due to processing backlogs.
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If your parcel is delayed more than 3 working days beyond the estimated delivery, contact Evri’s customer support for assistance.
Evri’s Bank Holiday Schedule Compared to Other UK Couriers
| Courier | Bank Holiday Delivery | Notes |
| Evri | No (most holidays) | Some limited service may apply regionally |
| Royal Mail | No | Completely closed on bank holidays |
| DPD | Premium only | Paid options for holiday delivery |
| Yodel | No | Operates only on standard business days |
Like the majority of UK couriers, Evri does not offer regular delivery on bank holidays. DPD is currently one of the only providers that may allow premium delivery on these days.
How to Prepare for Bank Holiday Disruptions
Bank holidays can lead to temporary pauses in parcel collections and deliveries, often causing confusion or disappointment for both shoppers and sellers. Whether you’re sending a gift, managing an e-commerce store, or waiting for an important delivery, it’s important to plan ahead to minimise disruptions.
Here are some practical steps to help you stay organised and avoid delays during bank holiday periods:
1. Plan Ahead Whenever Possible
The best way to avoid issues is to send or order parcels at least two working days before the bank holiday. This gives the courier network enough time to process and dispatch your item before operations pause. Early planning is especially important during busy holiday periods such as Easter, Christmas, and summer bank holidays, when parcel volumes surge.
If you’re a business owner, plan your stock dispatches early to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a smoother delivery experience for your customers.
2. Monitor Parcel Progress Using Evri Tracking
Evri offers a user-friendly tracking system accessible via its website and mobile app. After your order is sent, you can:
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View real-time parcel status updates
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Track movements at each stage of the delivery process
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See if your parcel is “out for delivery” or delayed due to holiday closures
Tip: During bank holidays, tracking updates may temporarily pause and resume the next working day. Don’t worry if progress appears to stall—it’s likely just a result of the non-operational day.
3. Communicate Clearly with Customers (For Online Sellers)
If you operate an online store or marketplace account, set realistic delivery expectations around bank holidays. Update your shipping information or delivery policy pages to let customers know:
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When is the last day of dispatch before a holiday
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Whether deliveries will be affected during that period
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What to expect in terms of tracking delays
Providing accurate information builds trust and reduces customer service enquiries during busy periods.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Shipping for Time-Sensitive Items
Try to avoid dispatching urgent or time-sensitive parcels right before a bank holiday—especially if the delivery is for a birthday, celebration, or special event. Even with next-day or express delivery options, bank holidays can introduce an extra 1–2 day delay.
If timing is critical, consider using tracked or guaranteed delivery services earlier in the week and confirm your courier’s operating schedule in advance.
Conclusion
So, do Evri deliver on bank holidays in the UK?
Generally, no. During UK public holidays, the majority of Evri services, including as deliveries, pickups, and tracking updates, are suspended. While certain locations or retailers may offer limited options, these are the exception, not the rule.
If you shop, schedule your purchases in advance. If you’re a business, update your delivery estimates and prepare for slower turnaround. With a bit of planning, bank holiday delays can be easily managed, and your parcels will still arrive safely — just not on the day itself.
FAQ
Does Evri deliver on Christmas Day or Boxing Day?
No. These are full non-operational days, and parcels will not be delivered or collected.
Will Evri collect my parcel on a bank holiday?
No. Parcel collections are paused, and any scheduled pickup will be rescheduled to the next working day.
Can I drop off a parcel at a ParcelShop during a bank holiday?
Some Evri ParcelShops located in convenience stores or supermarkets may remain open. However, parcels are unlikely to be moved until Evri’s next active delivery day.
How long will my parcel be delayed if it falls around a bank holiday?
Typically, expect delays of 24–72 hours, depending on the holiday and your location.
I’m Laura Wilson, a passionate blogger and content creator with a deep interest in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. I’ve had the opportunity to write for several premium blogs, sharing insights & practical advice for individuals & small businesses. I’m the founder and publisher of ukbusinessmag.co.uk, where I focus on creating valuable, easy-to-understand content to help UK startups & SMEs grow.
