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.
Peak travel activity and government service disruption are expected between 16 and 20 February 2026.
During this period:
Visa and permit applications submitted close to closure dates may not be accepted or reviewed until after the holiday period.
The following government office closures are expected during the Lunar New Year period:
The combination of widespread travel and government closures can result in:
Employers managing international assignments or regional mobility should factor these disruptions into workforce planning and project timelines.
To reduce risk during the Lunar New Year period, organisations and individuals should:
Early preparation remains the most effective way to mitigate the annual impact of Lunar New Year disruptions.
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.
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