The United States Embassy in New Delhi and all its consular offices across India will suspend operations for three days during the upcoming Christmas holiday period. This temporary closure is a standard annual observance for the festive season.
Official Holiday Schedule for US Diplomatic Missions
In an official advisory released to the public, the US Mission in India confirmed that all its offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, through Thursday, December 26, 2024. This includes the main Embassy in the national capital and the Consulates General located in several major Indian cities.
The affected consulates are situated in:
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
This closure aligns with the official federal holidays observed in the United States, where December 25 (Christmas Day) is a national holiday. When Christmas falls on a Wednesday, as it does in 2024, the preceding and following days are often designated as holidays for government operations to allow for an extended break.
Impact on Consular Services and Public Access
The three-day shutdown means that all routine consular and visa services will be unavailable during this period. Applicants with scheduled appointments for visa interviews, passport services, or other citizen services on these dates will need to reschedule.
Emergency services for American citizens will remain accessible. In case of a dire emergency involving the life, health, or safety of a US citizen, the mission can still be reached through its dedicated emergency contact channels. The standard emergency contact number for the US Embassy in New Delhi is +91-11-2419-8000.
The public is advised to plan their visits and application submissions around these dates. Normal operations are set to resume on Friday, December 27, 2024.
Planning Ahead for Travel and Services
This annual closure is a routine administrative event, but it requires attention from individuals and businesses with pending consular work. Travelers planning trips to the United States in early 2025 should factor this break into their visa application timelines to avoid last-minute delays.
Similarly, Indian nationals and US expatriates in India requiring notarial services, passport renewals, or reports of birth abroad should ensure their paperwork is completed before the holiday break begins.
The announcement follows standard diplomatic protocol, where foreign missions observe the national holidays of their home country while also respecting local holidays in the host nation. The US Mission in India will also be closed on Indian national holidays throughout the year.
For the latest updates and to reschedule appointments, individuals are directed to the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India.
