The Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Almaty and Astana issued identical notices on 4 February confirming that they will suspend all operations from 16 to 23 February for the Lunar New Year holiday. Regular, express and rush-service passports submitted just before the closure will not be released until at least 24 February, and appointment slots in the preceding week are already fully booked.
Kazakhstan is one of China’s fastest-growing overland and air passenger markets following the launch of a mutual 30-day visa-free regime in 2024. Tour operators warn that the eight-day shutdown could disrupt travel plans for Kazakh citizens requiring study, work or media visas that fall outside the waiver scheme. Chinese employers expecting new hires from Kazakhstan this month should verify that entry documents are issued in time and consider digital copies of invitation letters to support boarding.
![Chinese Visa Centres in Kazakhstan to Close 16–23 February for Spring Festival]()
For travelers who need a dependable workaround during the CVASC holiday closure, VisaHQ offers an online service that helps applicants prepare Chinese visa paperwork, schedule courier submissions and track applications end-to-end. Visit https://www.visahq.com/china/ for clear instructions and live assistance that can keep business or study plans on track despite the seasonal pause.
The CVASC network recommends applicants check processing times online and use courier-return options to avoid in-person collection queues after the holiday. Emergency humanitarian or diplomatic visas will be handled directly by the Chinese embassy and consulate-general on a case-by-case basis.
Kazakhstan is one of China’s fastest-growing overland and air passenger markets following the launch of a mutual 30-day visa-free regime in 2024. Tour operators warn that the eight-day shutdown could disrupt travel plans for Kazakh citizens requiring study, work or media visas that fall outside the waiver scheme. Chinese employers expecting new hires from Kazakhstan this month should verify that entry documents are issued in time and consider digital copies of invitation letters to support boarding.
For travelers who need a dependable workaround during the CVASC holiday closure, VisaHQ offers an online service that helps applicants prepare Chinese visa paperwork, schedule courier submissions and track applications end-to-end. Visit https://www.visahq.com/china/ for clear instructions and live assistance that can keep business or study plans on track despite the seasonal pause.
The CVASC network recommends applicants check processing times online and use courier-return options to avoid in-person collection queues after the holiday. Emergency humanitarian or diplomatic visas will be handled directly by the Chinese embassy and consulate-general on a case-by-case basis.
