
The situation
Jurisdictions around the world have been issuing travel advisories, cancelling visa appointments, implementing limited travel restrictions, closing government offices, and taking other measures in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Notably, many consular posts and visa application centers in China are limiting their operations or closing their offices altogether. Applicants are advised to check embassy websites or contact consular offices directly for specific information.
A closer look
Access the below key foreign embassy links for specific information on consular closures in China:
Note that some closure information may not be listed online – applicants should contact the consular office for specific information.
Those with appointments in the near future should contact their consular post for updated schedules and closure information.
Some countries’ consular posts that use online appointment systems may send applicants an email with closure information, but applicants are encouraged to contact the consular office in any case.
Looking ahead
Access Fragomen’s Coronavirus Update Page for updated coronavirus-related immigration news. There have been updates from Brunei, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mainland China, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States and Vietnam.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to your Fragomen immigration team.
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Manager Dr Adela Schmidt and Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler analyse the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Germany concerning its Vander Elst visa requirements for third-country nationals providing short-term cross-border services and explain why current compliance obligations remain unchanged.
Blog post
Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.
Media mentions
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Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.
Awards
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.
Media mentions
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Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.

