Asia-Pacific Lunar New Year 2026: Expected Processing Delays And Government Office Closures

[Editor2]

The Lunar New Year is one of the busiest travel and holiday periods across East and Southeast Asia. In February 2026, millions of people are expected to travel throughout the region, leading to significant pressure on transportation networks and temporary closures of government offices.


These annual disruptions are likely to affect visa processing, work permits, residence applications, and other government services. Travelers and employers should plan well in advance to avoid delays.

Key Timing and Travel Impact​

Peak travel activity and government service disruption are expected between 16 and 20 February 2026.


During this period:

• Airports, railways, and border crossings are expected to be extremely busy
• Some airlines and rail operators have added capacity, but congestion remains likely
• Adverse weather conditions could further exacerbate delays
• Immigration and civil services may suspend processing entirely until offices reopen

Visa and permit applications submitted close to closure dates may not be accepted or reviewed until after the holiday period.

Government Office Closures by Country​

The following government office closures are expected during the Lunar New Year period:

• Brunei
  
  • February 17, 2026 (Lunar New Year)
  • February 23, 2026 (National Day)
  • Ramadan is expected to begin around February 19, 2026 (subject to moon sighting). Public offices may close on the first day and operate shortened hours (until approximately 2 p.m.) during Ramadan, potentially extending processing delays.
• China
  
  • February 15–23, 2026
• Hong Kong SAR
  
  • February 17–19, 2026
• Indonesia
  
  • February 16–17, 2026
• Macau SAR
  
  • February 16 (afternoon)
  • February 17–19, 2026
• Myanmar
  
  • February 12–13, 2026 (Union Day)
  • February 16–17, 2026 (Lunar New Year)
• New Zealand
  
  • The Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland will be closed from February 16–18, 2026
• Philippines
  
  • February 17, 2026
• Singapore
  
  • February 16–17, 2026
• South Korea
  
  • February 16–18, 2026
• Taiwan
  
  • February 16–20 and February 27, 2026
• Vietnam
  
  • February 14–22, 2026

Practical Implications for Employers and Travelers​

The combination of widespread travel and government closures can result in:

• Delays in visa issuance and work permit approvals
• Paused processing of immigration, registration, and compliance filings
• Disrupted onboarding timelines for new hires and assignees
• Increased congestion at airports and border crossings

Employers managing international assignments or regional mobility should factor these disruptions into workforce planning and project timelines.

Planning Ahead to Minimise Disruption​

To reduce risk during the Lunar New Year period, organisations and individuals should:

• Submit visa and permit applications well in advance of closure dates
• Avoid scheduling critical travel or start dates during peak holiday periods
• Build additional buffer time into assignment and relocation timelines
• Communicate expected delays clearly to candidates and business stakeholders

Early preparation remains the most effective way to mitigate the annual impact of Lunar New Year disruptions.

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Pros and Cons Summary​

Pros​

• Predictable, annual holiday period allows for advance planning
• Increased airline and rail capacity helps accommodate travel demand
• Clear closure schedules provide transparency for applicants and employers

Cons​

• Temporary suspension of visa and permit processing
• Extended turnaround times for government services
• High travel congestion and potential weather-related disruptions
• Increased risk of onboarding and assignment delays

 

[lucasbravo]

Man, Lunar New Year travel is always crazy. I was in Singapore during it a few years ago and the airport felt like the entire planet showed up at once. If you're planning visas or paperwork around mid-February, yeah… probably smart to get it done early.

 

[natalie_porter]

Just to add some specifics here. South Korea government offices will be closed from 16 to 18 February 2026. Taiwan has one of the longest closures, running from 16 to 20 February with an additional closure on 27 February. China’s public offices are expected to close from 15 to 23 February. These exact dates are important if anyone is planning visa submissions.

 

[oliver_twist]

Just to add some specifics here. South Korea government offices will be closed from 16 to 18 February 2026. Taiwan has one of the longest closures, running from 16 to 20 February with an additional closure on 27 February. China’s public offices are expected to close from 15 to 23 February. These exact dates are important if anyone is planning visa submissions.

Interesting details. Does anyone know whether immigration systems continue to accept online applications during those closures, or does everything pause completely until offices reopen?

 

[tommy_lee]

This reminds me of when I worked in Hong Kong back in 2012. Every Lunar New Year the city would basically slow down for a few days. Government counters closed, businesses paused, and everyone focused on family gatherings. Anyone dealing with visas learned quickly to finish paperwork before the holiday week.

 

[jeremy_k]

Honestly the downside is pretty obvious. If someone submits a visa request right before the holidays, it might sit untouched for a week or more. Then you add the travel congestion and weather delays and suddenly a simple relocation can turn into a logistical mess.

 

[elena_castillo]

I see the delays too, but the good thing is this holiday is very predictable every year. That means employers and travelers can plan ahead and avoid most of the problems. With enough preparation and communication, the process can still go smoothly for everyone involved.