Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a traditional holiday celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. The Lunar New Year celebration is known as well as the Spring Festival. It traditionally runs from Lunar New Year’s Eve through the Lantern Festival, for a period of approximately 14 days. See below the anticipated celebration dates for the next three years.

• 2015 Spring Festival – February 19 through March 5. Year of the Goat.
• 2016 Spring Festival – February 8 through February 22. Year of the Monkey.
• 2017 Spring Festival – January 28 through February 11.  Year of the Rooster.

If you will travel to celebrate the Lunar New Year, consider the following recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the CDC and the International Center Risk and Safety Office.

Research your destination

• The U.S. Department of State Learn About Your Destination webpage offers information on crime and security , health and medical considerations, drug penalties, localized hot spots and more.
• Determine if you need a visa for your destination.
  • U.S. Citizens can rely on the country’s quick facts found at the Learn About Your Destination webpage and if needed, contact the embassy directly for information on how to apply for a visa.
  • Non-U.S. Citizens can explore whether they will need a visa by contacting the country’s embassy or consulate directly.
• Monitor Travel Alerts and Warnings regularly for your destination.

Health

• Talk to your doctor about vaccines and medicines recommended for your destination.
• Verify you have overseas medical insurance and repatriation / evacuation insurance.   If you are traveling on University business or an Education Abroad program, check the ICRSO International Travel Best Practices webpage for insurance information.

Get ready to go

• If you are traveling on University business or an Education Abroad program, follow the ICRSO International Travel Best Practices webpage.
• Expect significant travel congestion. Many people are traveling during this time.
• Make photocopies of your itinerary and travel documents, including your passport, visa, itinerary, hotel confirmation, airline ticket, driver’s license and credit cards.
• If you are traveling on behalf of the University and are carrying electronic devices, review the Export Control regulations and be prepared to show the signed B16-EXC form when required.
• Pack Smart. Pack light, make sure you are not carrying banned items or substances, and have vital documents within reach.
• Pack a travel health kit.

During your trip

• Be transportation smart. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
• Reduce exposure to illness. Check the Stay Healthy and Safe section at the CDC webpage for your destination.
• Prevent mosquito bites. Visit the Avoid Bug Bites page.
• Follow food and water safety guidelines. Visit the CDC Food and Water Safety page.
• Avoid touching birds, pigs and other animals. Avoid farms and poultry markets.
• If you feel sick and are traveling on University business or an Education Abroad program, contact ISOS for assistance. You may also check the CDC get medical assistance webpage.

After your trip

• The CDC’s getting sick after travel webpage lists some of the common health issues travelers might experience after returning home.
• If you feel sick, check with your doctor.

The information on this page may change without notice