Applying for a China Visa? Expect Delays During February 2026 Spring Festival

If you’re planning to apply for a China visa in early 2026, this is something you’ll want to factor into your timeline.

China Visa operations in New Delhi, Mumbai, and other Chinese consulates are expected to slow down due to the Chinese Spring Festival holidays. While the centres are not completely shutting down, applicants should expect delays in both visa submission and processing.

Holiday Dates to Note

According to the latest update, the Chinese Spring Festival holiday period will run from:

• 14 February 2026 to 23 February 2026
• Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, 24 February 2026

During these dates, visa processing timelines may stretch longer than usual.

• No visa submissions
• No visa processing
• No passport collection

Which Cities Are Affected

Updates shared by visa service partners confirm that delays are not limited to one location. Applicants using China visa services in:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Other Chinese consulates and authorised visa centres in India

Since this is a national festival in China, the impact will be felt across Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide, and some level of disruption should be expected during the holiday period.

What This Means for Visa Applicants

Here’s the thing. Even short holiday breaks can cause backlogs, especially for popular destinations like China. Applications submitted close to or during the holiday window may take extra time to move forward.

If you’re travelling for business, work, study, or tourism, waiting until the last minute could be risky.

What Travellers Should Do Now

If China is on your travel list early next year, applying well in advance is the safest move.

• Submit your visa application as early as possible
• Avoid booking tight travel dates around mid to late February
• Keep some buffer time in case processing takes longer than expected

This is especially important for travellers with fixed schedules, such as business meetings, university start dates, or pre-booked tours.

Final Thoughts

The Chinese Spring Festival is one of the biggest holidays of the year, and visa delays during this period are common. Planning ahead now can save you stress later.

If China is part of your 2026 plans, mark these dates, apply early, and give yourself extra time. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.