Published on
February 11, 2026
Poland joins Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Sweden, Malta, France, and more than twenty-four countries in Europe in facing major travel delays as China visa processing slows to a crawl during the 2026 Spring Festival. Due to the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations from 14 February to 23 February 2026, visa application centers and consulates across the globe will experience a slowdown, leading to delays in both visa submissions and processing. Travelers from Poland, Germany, and other European nations will particularly feel the impact, as China’s consular services temporarily reduce operations during this peak holiday period. This article dives into the specifics of how this affects travelers and offers tips on how to avoid disruptions when applying for a visa to China.
As China’s Spring Festival approaches in February 2026, travelers from across the globe, including Poland, Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Sweden, and more than twenty-four European nations, are set to face unavoidable travel delays. This year’s festival promises to cause unprecedented slowdowns in China visa processing, leaving thousands of travelers scrambling to adjust their plans.
For anyone hoping to secure a visa to China or apply for one during mid-February, the Chinese New Year holiday could be a huge roadblock. This post dives into the specific countries impacted, explains why the delays are happening, and offers practical advice for travelers to navigate the visa delays ahead of the busy travel season.
What’s Behind the China Visa Delays in February 2026?
The Chinese Spring Festival, often referred to as Lunar New Year, is the most significant holiday in China. During this period, many businesses and government offices shut down to allow citizens to celebrate with their families. As a result, the visa processing services at Chinese embassies, consulates, and visa centres around the world will be impacted. The holidays will span from 14 February 2026 to 23 February 2026, with normal operations resuming on 24 February 2026.
Countries Impacted by the China Visa Delays in 2026
China’s visa application process in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and other consulates, is expected to face considerable delays. However, the slowdown will not be restricted to India. Many European nations, including Poland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and other popular travel destinations, will feel the ripple effects of these delays. Here is a comprehensive list of countries where applicants will likely face delays in visa processing:
PolandGermanyIrelandEstoniaSwedenMaltaFranceUnited KingdomBelgiumItalyAustriaNetherlandsSpainDenmarkFinlandNorwayPortugalRussiaUkraineTurkeyCzech RepublicSlovakiaSloveniaGreeceLithuaniaLatviaHungaryRomaniaLuxembourgCroatiaHow the Chinese Spring Festival Will Impact Your Visa Application
Although the visa centers will remain open in a limited capacity, most centers will not process visa applications or collect passports from 14 to 23 February 2026. For those who are in the midst of applying, this means that there will be no visa submissions, no visa processing, and no passport collection during this period.
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China is one of the most popular travel destinations globally, whether for business, tourism, or study. With the festival’s high volume of domestic travel and holiday closures, the backlog is bound to be massive. Even after the holiday period, there will likely be an overwhelming backlog of applications for China visa services, creating further delays in an already slow process.
What Can You Do to Avoid Visa Delays?
If you’re planning to visit China in early 2026, the most important thing to do is apply for your visa as early as possible. Given the disruptions caused by the Spring Festival, early planning will ensure you don’t end up stranded without a valid visa.
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Here are some practical steps to take now to avoid being caught in the visa processing delays:
Apply for Your China Visa Well in Advance: Don’t wait until the last minute. Submit your application early to give yourself plenty of time before the holiday breaks begin.Reconsider Travel Dates: If you have flexible travel dates, try to avoid booking travel between mid-February and late February 2026. The delays will be longest around the Spring Festival period.Allow for Buffer Time: Even after consulates resume operations in late February, the backlog will mean you may still experience longer processing times. It’s smart to give yourself extra time for visa approval.Check Your Local Consulate’s Schedule: Stay updated on your local Chinese consulate or visa center’s specific schedules and any last-minute changes to operations.Plan for Potential Delays: Be prepared for delays if you’re working with tight schedules. Consider adjusting your plans accordingly, especially for business meetings, university deadlines, or organized tours.Travel Tips to Navigate the China Visa Delays in 2026
1. Apply Early — Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute
The key to avoiding chaos is applying for your China visa as early as possible. This is especially important when you are aware of the upcoming delays due to the Spring Festival. By submitting your application months ahead of time, you can bypass the worst of the slowdowns and avoid last-minute stress. The earlier you apply, the higher your chances of securing approval before your travel dates.
2. Avoid Travel Dates Around Mid-February
If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid booking tickets around mid to late February 2026. The delay during the Chinese Spring Festival will affect flights, visa services, and consular operations, which means you could face longer waiting times and disruptions. If you must travel during this period, consider leaving plenty of extra time between your visa processing and travel dates.
3. Plan for Buffer Time
Even though consulates will resume operations on 24 February 2026, the backlog will cause delays in passport collection and visa approvals for a period of time after the holiday break. If you have a rigid schedule (such as a business conference or study program start date), it’s crucial to plan for extra buffer time between visa processing and your departure to avoid being caught in a last-minute rush.
4. Stay Updated on Visa Center Operations
Because the visa application centres may make adjustments to their schedules due to local conditions, it’s important to stay informed. Regularly check with your local consulate or visa processing center for updates on holiday hours or any potential changes in the application process during the Spring Festival. Having the latest information on when your consulate is open can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
5. Stay Flexible and Prepare for Possible Delays
Lastly, stay flexible and mentally prepared for potential visa processing delays. Travel plans often change unexpectedly due to consular backlogs, especially during a busy season like the Spring Festival. If you have a fixed schedule, keep some flexibility in your plans to account for the inevitable delays that might occur, particularly for last-minute bookings.
Travel Impacts on Chinese Tourism
While these visa delays may frustrate foreign travelers, China’s tourist attractions will see their own challenges during the Spring Festival. Locations like:
Beijing (The Great Wall, Forbidden City)Shanghai (The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower)Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors)Chengdu (Giant Panda Breeding Center)
will experience heavy domestic and international foot traffic, as millions of Chinese nationals travel during the holiday period. Even though tourists from Europe, the US, and other regions may face visa processing delays, Chinese domestic tourism is likely to peak during this time, leading to crowded attractions.
If you do manage to get your China visa processed in time, expect crowded tourist spots and long queues, especially at major attractions. Many tour operators will also see disruptions, so plan your visits carefully and check ahead for availability.
The 2026 Spring Festival is set to be one of the most impactful holiday periods for China visa applications. Travelers planning to visit China must prepare for potential delays in visa services, particularly those traveling from Europe. By planning early, building extra time into your travel itinerary, and being proactive about your visa application, you can avoid stress and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Poland joins Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Sweden, Malta, France, and more than twenty-four countries in Europe in experiencing travel delays as China visa processing slows down during the 2026 Spring Festival. The holiday period, from 14 to 23 February 2026, will disrupt visa operations worldwide, causing significant delays in both submissions and processing.
Remember: apply early, plan accordingly, and stay updated on consulate schedules to navigate the China visa slowdown effectively. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or study, ensuring that you account for this holiday period will make all the difference in avoiding unexpected delays.
