Chinese visa centres change their 2025 schedule for holidays

China's visa centres have announced changes to their operating schedule due to major national holidays: Chinese New Year, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and the May holidays.

From 28 January to 4 February, in observance of Chinese New Year, visa centres will not accept visa applications. From 4 to 6 April, during Tomb-Sweeping Day, visa centres will likewise suspend applications. The May holidays will also affect visa centre operations: they will be closed from 1 to 5 May, and again from 8 to 11 May.

Chinese New Year holds a special place among the country's national holidays, celebrated on a grand scale and steeped in deep cultural traditions. In 2025, China will welcome the Year of the Green Wood Snake, associated with natural shades of green as well as calm tones of brown and beige.

As a reminder, Chinese authorities previously extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours. This change also applies to Russian citizens, opening up additional opportunities for tourists.