Lunar New Year 2026 will cause flight delays and government closures across the Asia-Pacific region. Learn about closure dates, risks for travelers, and visa and document advice

Order a consultation with a migration specialist to avoid unpleasant situations during the move

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The Lunar New Year period is traditionally accompanied by mass movements of people in East and Southeast Asian countries. In 2026, the peak load on transport and government services is expected from February 16 to 20, which may cause flight delays, business disruptions and temporary closures of government institutions.

Travelers and visa applicants should plan their trips in advance and submit documents in advance.

Read about possible travel delays and closures of consular offices for the Lunar New Year 2026 period in this article.

Travel, relocation or employment abroad almost always requires the issuance of permits. A migration lawyer is a specialist who will help you correctly determine the type of visa or permit, prepare a complete package of documents and reduce the risk of refusal.

Consultation will be useful regardless of the purpose of the trip, citizenship or country of destination - from tourist trips to moving for work or study.

Get advice from a Visit World migration lawyer now to prepare your documents in advance and avoid mistakes.

What happens during the Lunar New Year in Asia?

Millions of people travel across the region to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family. In response to the increase in demand:

1. Airlines are adding additional flights;

2. Railway operators are running more trains.

However, even with these measures, delays remain likely, especially in the event of adverse weather conditions or airport congestion.

When will migration agencies be closed during the Lunar New Year in Asia?

During the holidays, many government agencies will be temporarily closed or will operate on a reduced schedule, which will affect visa processing, permits and consular services. Key closure dates in 2026:

- Brunei – 17 February (Lunar New Year), 23 February (National Day). Ramadan is expected to start on 19 February: reduced working hours until 14:00 are possible.

- China – 15–23 February.

- Hong Kong – 17–19 February.

- Indonesia – 16–17 February.

- Macau – 16 February (afternoon), 17–19 February.

- Myanmar – 12–13 February (Unification Day), 16–17 February (Lunar New Year).

- New Zealand – The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland is closed on 16–18 February.

- Philippines – 17 February.

- Singapore – 16–17 February.

- South Korea – February 16-18.

- Taiwan – February 16-20 and 27.

- Vietnam – February 14-22.

How will the Lunar New Year celebrations affect tourists and applicants?

The holiday period may lead to:

- Flight and train delays;

- Limited operation of banks, visa centers and government agencies;

- Postponement of visa and permit processing times.

Applications submitted immediately before the holidays may not be accepted or may remain unprocessed until the institutions resume work.

What should you do before traveling to Asian countries during the holidays?

1. Plan your trips with plenty of time.

2. Buy tickets and book accommodation in advance.

3. Submit documents for a visa or permit as early as possible.

4. Check the opening hours of consulates and government agencies in a specific country.

Travel advice: During peak travel periods, it is especially important to have travel insurance that covers flight delays, trip cancellations, and unexpected expenses abroad.

The Lunar New Year is a vibrant and important period for the Asia-Pacific region, but at the same time a time of increased risks for travel and document processing. Early planning and attention to the dates of closure of institutions will help to avoid unnecessary delays and stress.

During the Lunar New Year, consulates and migration services in Asia are often closed, and the processing times for applications increase. In such conditions, even a minor error in the documents can lead to delays lasting many months. Visit World migration lawyers:

- Check the readiness of the package of documents before the start of the holidays;

- Help choose the right type of visa according to the purpose of the trip;

- Assess the risks of delays and possible refusals during the festive period.

This is especially important for those planning a trip, move or filing documents in February 2026.

Contact a Visit World migration lawyer before the holidays start to save time and increase your chances of successfully processing your documents.

Reminder! China is extending its visa-free regime for 46 countries until 2026. We have already told you who is eligible to enter, what documents are required and what to do if your country is not on the list.

Photo - generated by Gemini