The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) network issued simultaneous notices on 24 September confirming that all overseas visa-submission counters will be closed on Friday 25 September for the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday, with most also closed from 1–7 October for National Day. Limited passport-collection windows will operate in select cities between 9:00 and 14:00. Applicants with tight travel dates are advised to file before 27 September or use premium services where available. Express and rush processing will be suspended during the holiday, and mailed-in applications may face additional delays due to courier backlogs. Digital appointment systems will remain open, but slots for the week following the break are already nearing capacity in London, Sydney and Johannesburg. The CVASC reminds travellers not to purchase non-refundable tickets until visas are issued and to factor in longer turnaround times when arranging medical exams or legalisations that have limited validity windows. Corporate mobility teams should communicate the shutdown to assignees and adjust onboarding timelines accordingly. Chinese consulates will stay open for consular emergencies only. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on 28 September and 8 October respectively.
