The United States Embassy in New Delhi and all its consulates throughout India will suspend routine public services for a three-day period later this year. The closure, announced officially, is scheduled for Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, December 26, 2025.
What Services Will Be Affected?
This temporary shutdown will directly impact a wide range of non-emergency consular operations. Applicants across India should note that visa interview appointments, passport renewals, notarial services, and routine document processing will not be available on these dates. The suspension is a result of a directive from the White House, mandating the closure of federal agencies around the Christmas holiday.
Officials from the U.S. Embassy in India confirmed the details in a public statement, urging the public to adjust their plans. The closure aligns with a Presidential Executive Order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, which grants federal employees time off on the days immediately preceding and following Christmas Day.
Details of the Presidential Order and Exceptions
The executive order, published on the White House website, explicitly directs all executive departments and agencies to remain closed on December 24 and December 26, 2025. However, it includes a crucial provision for essential services.
The order grants flexibility to department heads to keep specific offices open or require certain employees to report for duty if needed for national security, defense, or other critical public needs. This means that while routine services halt, emergency mechanisms for U.S. citizens will remain accessible.
For American nationals in India facing genuine emergencies—such as those involving arrests, serious medical issues, or urgent travel—limited assistance will still be available. Individuals are advised to use the emergency contact channels provided by their nearest U.S. diplomatic mission.
Planning Ahead for Applicants and Travelers
The timing of this announcement is significant, coinciding with a peak period for international travel and holiday planning. The disruption in services is expected to create a five-day operational gap, as December 27 and 28 fall on a weekend. Consular services are slated to resume normally on Monday, December 29, 2025.
This extended break will likely lead to processing backlogs and longer wait times for appointments following the holiday period. The U.S. Embassy has recommended that all applicants and U.S. citizens in India take proactive steps:
- Monitor the official U.S. Embassy and Consulates websites in India for any updates.
- Follow their verified social media channels for real-time information.
- Plan any urgent travel documentation or consular assistance well in advance of the closure window.
- Keep the embassy's emergency contact numbers handy for critical situations.
Such extended closures around major U.S. holidays are a standard federal practice. Past administrations have implemented similar orders to provide extended breaks for government staff. For overseas posts like those in India, advance announcements are standard protocol to minimize public inconvenience.
Travelers and applicants are encouraged to factor this scheduled pause into their year-end plans to avoid any last-minute disruptions to their visa or passport processes.
