If you’re planning to apply for a China visa in February 2026, expect processing slowdowns and operational disruptions because of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) holiday period, which is one of the busiest travel seasons in the world. During this time, many visa centres and government offices close for the holiday and resume work only after people return from celebrations — causing longer wait times and postponed appointments across several countries.
Holiday Shutdowns and Closures
Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASCs) and embassies typically shut down for the Spring Festival holiday, which this year runs roughly from mid-February to late-February:
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Visa centres in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town in South Africa will be closed from 16 to 19 February 2026, with passport pick-ups and processing delayed and schedules adjusted afterward. Applicants are advised that waiting times for submission and collection will be longer than usual after reopening.
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The Manila CVASC also confirms closure from 16 to 23 February 2026 with postponed operations and resumption of services after the holiday period.
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Similarly, visa centres in other regions, such as Kathmandu, have revised pick-up timelines to early late February, noting that documents submitted around the holiday will be delayed.
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Permanent missions like Chinese embassies (e.g. in Algeria) are expected to close for similar Spring Festival breaks, reopening only after the holiday days.
These closures are part of a broader pattern of reduced government and consular operations during the Spring Festival — where many public offices and businesses shut down as workers return home to celebrate.
Peak Travel Period Adds Pressure
The Spring Festival also marks China’s largest annual travel surge. Immigration authorities expect inbound and outbound travel to rise sharply, with millions crossing daily at major border checkpoints — increasing border processing demands and adding pressure to visa systems and consular services.
Because of this travel rush and the associated staffing shortages at visa centres, applicants should expect:
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Longer processing times than usual
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Postponed appointment slots and document collection dates
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**Delays returning passports with visa stickers after submission
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Reduced or zero service during official holiday closures
Practical Tips for Visa Applicants
To avoid unnecessary delays during the Spring Festival period:
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Apply well in advance: Submit your visa application several weeks before mid-February to ensure it’s processed before holiday closures begin.
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Check consulate schedules: Confirm the holiday calendar for the specific Chinese visa centre or embassy you’ll use, as closure dates may vary by location.
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Avoid peak submission dates: Processing backlogs intensify in the first working days after the holiday (late February), so aim to avoid last-minute submissions.
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Plan your travel timing: If you must travel in late February or early March, finalise your visa before early February to avoid disruptions.
Spring Festival holidays are cultural main events in China and its diplomatic network, and they have real effects on visa timings — both for tourist visa processing and other categories like work and study visas.
At RoutePal, we advise clients to factor holiday closures and peak travel periods into their planning to avoid delays or missed travel plans. If you need assistance with application timelines, document preparation, or appointment strategies during this period, our team can help you navigate the steps confidently.