It is expected that the Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year festivities will prompt an increase in travel and tourism across the region, potentially rebounding to 2019 numbers. Along with the increased regional travel, government offices may be closed for select days, and can result in overall immigration processing delays.
Government Closures
Public observance and celebrations of the Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year vary among different countries, from February 8 – 17, 2024. Still, travel and government office closures are expected to peak on February 10, 2024.
- Brunei: February 10
- China: February 10-17
- Hong Kong SAR: February 10-13
- Macau: February 9-February 14
- Malaysia: February 10-12
- Singapore: February 10-12
- Taiwan: February 8-14
- Vietnam: February 8-14
China’s Visa Free Agreements
Supporting the boost in travel and tourism is China’s recent agreements to permit visa-free entry and travel with 23 countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, United Arab Emirates, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Suriname, Tonga, and Armenia.
China also agreements in place for mutual visa exemptions with 157 countries and agreements on simplifying visa procedures with 44 countries.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.