Planning to Celebrate Chinese New Year in China?
For many people around the world, Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday of the year. In China the celebration lasts a full 15 days and is filled with traditions, customs, religious ceremonies, and a great deal of time with family. It’s a time of celebration and joy, and an experience that travelers should enjoy within China if at all possible. If you’re planning to travel to China this Chinese New Year, you’ll be in for a wonderful vacation of family time, thanksgiving, and communal celebration.
Different China Travel Requirements to take Note of
Whether you’re planning to visit China for the entire festival or just a few days, you’ll want to make your travel plans as far in advanced as possible. This year, the beginning of Chinese New Year falls on February 10, so you already have less than a month to get your travel paperwork in order. In other words… hurry up already! 
If you’re planning to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you’ll need an up-to-date passport with at least a few empty pages for fresh stamps. If you’ll be visiting the People’s Republic of China (mainland China), you will also need a tourist visa. Stop by the Swift Passport office or give us a call at 1.877.917.9438 right away to make sure that your travel documents are up-to-date and that you have everything you need for your visit.
If you’re in the Chicago area, your travel planning will be particularly easy because our central office is located in the same building as the China Chicago Consulate. Even on days when the Consulate will be closed for Spring Festival (February 11 to February 13) we will be able to help you expedite your visa to China and ensure that your travel plans flow as smoothly as possible.
Remember, in the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, the Consulate has a line that wraps around the building. You can avoid this line while fulfilling all your China travel requirements by visiting our office instead. By working with us you’ll avoid those terrible lines, you’ll have your passport and visa in hand faster, and you will be able to rest assured that all of your travel documents will be filled out correctly the first time. Make sure your special trip to China for the New Year is exciting for all of the right reasons. Contact Swift to learn more about the travel requirements for visiting China or to expedite your passport or visa by February 10.
