In our spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments across the region. In this post, we capture the processing delays and closures to be expected during the Lunar New Year period.
Millions of people are anticipated to travel throughout East and Southeast Asia around the Lunar New Year holiday season with government, business interruptions and travel-related delays expected to peak between 16-20 February 2026.
Government offices for the following countries will be closed on the following dates:
Brunei: 17 February 2026 (Lunar Year) and 23 February 2026 (National Day). The fasting month is presumed to begin on 19 February 2026 (subject to moon sighting). Public offices are likely to close on the first day and to operate until 2 p.m. during Ramadan, which may potentially cause processing delays.
China: 15-23 February 2026
Hong Kong SAR: 17-19 February 2026
Indonesia: 16-17 February 2026
Macau: 16 February (afternoon) and 17-19 February 2026
Myanmar: 12-13 February 2026 (Union Day) and 16-17 February 2026 (Lunar New Year)
New Zealand: The Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland is closed on 16-18 February 2026.
Philippines: 17 February 2026
Singapore: 16-17 February 2026
South Korea: 16-18 February 2026
Taiwan: 16-20 and 27 February 2026
Vietnam: 14-22 February 2026
Travel Advisory
With the government and business closures expected during the Lunar New Year, travellers should initiate their travel plans in advance and ought to anticipate with travel delays and interruptions. It is advisable for travellers to submit the Visa and permit applications as early as possible. Travellers may contact their processing office to check on the exact closure dates and the outcome on individual applications. Applications submitted nearer to closure dates may not be processed immediately upon until the government offices reopen.
For more information or assistance on global immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel.ang@magrath.sg or Royston@magrath.sg.
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