Asia Pacific: Processing Delays, Closures and Delays May Occur Around Lunar New Year
January 27, 2025
At a Glance
- Millions of people are expected to travel throughout East and Southeast Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday season.
- Travelers should be aware that government offices in many observing countries will be closed during this time, which will cause travel-related delays and government and business interruptions.
- Visa and permit applicants should submit applications as early as possible as applications submitted nearer to closure dates may not be accepted or acted upon until government offices reopen.
The situation
Millions of people are expected to travel throughout East and Southeast Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday season. Travel-related delays and government and business interruptions will peak around January 29-31, 2025.
To meet travel demand, some airlines have increased flight options, while railways have added additional trains.
A closer look
Government offices for the following countries will be closed on the following dates:
- Brunei: January 29, 2025
- China: January 28-February 4, 2025
- Hong Kong SAR: January 29-31, 2025
- India: There are no government office closures in observance of the Lunar New Year in India. However, consular posts of countries that celebrate Lunar New Year and have Indian Missions will observe a one-day closure on the occasion of Lunar New Year.
- Indonesia: January 28-29, 2025
- Macau: January 28 (afternoon), 29-31, 2025
-
Malaysia: Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has confirmed it will be closed on the afternoon of January 28, 2025. The MYXpats Center is tentatively scheduled to close on that day afternoon, pending confirmation. Both offices will remain closed on January 29 and 30, 2025.
- Myanmar: January 29, 2025
- Singapore: January 29-30, 2025
- South Korea: January 27-30, 2025
- Taiwan: January 25-February 2, 2025
- Vietnam: January 27-31, 2025
Impact
Due to government and business closures during the Lunar New Year, travelers should make their travel plans in advance and should expect travel delays and interruptions.
Visa and permit applicants should submit applications as early as possible and should contact their processing office to determine exact closure dates and the effect on individual applications. Applications submitted nearer to closure dates may not be accepted or acted upon until government offices reopen.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
