The US Mission India has announced that the embassy in New Delhi and all the US Consulates in India, located in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, will remain closed from Wednesday, December 24 to Friday, December 26. This decision follows a special order signed by President Donald Trump, which directed federal government offices to shut down during this period.
Services Put on Hold
Because of the closure, routine consular services such as visa interviews, passport applications, document checks, and other regular services will not be available for three days. These services are normally handled by the embassy and consulates in India, but during the closure, emergency assistance will be provided, if required.
Why the Closure Was Ordered
President Trump issued an executive order giving federal employees time off on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. The order applies to all government departments and agencies. In simple terms, an executive order is a formal instruction from the President that all government offices must follow.
But, the order allows certain offices to stay open, if needed, for national security, defense, or urgent public services. However, for the embassy and consulates in India, routine work will pause completely.
When Services Will Resume
According to the official notice, consular services will start again on Saturday, December 27, 2025. People who had appointments during the closure days must need to reschedule after that date.
Past Practice of Holiday Closures
This is not the first time such a holiday break has been given. President Trump had earlier granted Christmas Eve as a holiday for federal workers in 2018, 2019, and 2020. President Joe Biden also followed the same practice in 2024.
Christmas as a Federal Holiday
Christmas is one of the eleven official holidays recognized by the United States government. Other examples include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labour Day. On these days, government offices remain closed across the country.
