Christmas mood in the embassies

During the Christmas period, American cities transform into a true fairy-tale setting. During this time, New York becomes the festive center of the world. Grand Christmas trees, illuminated shop windows, open-air ice rinks, and the tradition of welcoming the New Year in Times Square create a unique atmosphere.
Everyone wants to ring in the New Year in the US, which is why booking an interview appointment becomes the main hurdle when applying for a visa. Toward the end of the year, available slots fill up rapidly.
In addition to the high volume of applications, double holidays must also be taken into account: the US Embassy in Tbilisi takes time off on both Georgian and American national holidays. From late November (St. George's Day and Thanksgiving) through mid-January (Epiphany), the embassy's working calendar is significantly reduced. Consequently, administrative processing and passport returns will take longer than usual.

London is one of the most impressive places in the world during the Christmas holidays. The lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and the traditional Christmas markets along the banks of the River Thames create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Georgian citizens obtain a UK visa through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre operating in Tbilisi. The standard processing time is 3 weeks; however, in November and December, this timeframe often increases.
The VFS Global centre closes during British and local holidays. Considering that UK government agencies completely suspend operations for several days during Christmas and the New Year, submitting an application at least 2 months in advance is recommended.

Ireland radiates a special warmth and coziness at Christmas. Dublin is distinguished by lively street music, a warm atmosphere, and traditional Irish pubs where you are welcomed by the fireplace with mulled wine or local drinks.
Irish visa applications are also submitted through VFS Global. Standardly, an Irish visa is characterized by a relatively long processing time (an average of 6–8 weeks). During the pre-Christmas period, due to holidays at both VFS and the Irish Immigration Service, this process may be delayed even further.

Canada is a true paradise for winter lovers. Snow-covered historic cities, large-scale Christmas festivals, and ice shows near natural waterfalls promise travelers an unforgettable experience.
Obtaining a Canadian visa is one of the longest processes for Georgian citizens. Even after submitting biometrics, processing can take anywhere from 1 month to 1 year. During the pre-Christmas period, the volume of applications increases globally, placing an additional load on the Canadian immigration system. If you wish to spend the New Year in Canada, you should start working on your visa right away.

If you are drawn to summer, sun, and the ocean instead of a traditional snowy Christmas, Australia is the ideal choice. Welcoming the New Year on the ocean shore with one of the world's first fireworks will completely change your perspective on winter holidays.

December–January is the peak tourist season in Australia, as it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere at this time. Despite the online application system, processing times increase significantly precisely due to the sharp rise in demand. Furthermore, the Australian Immigration Service officially takes time off during the Christmas and New Year period, which adds a few extra weeks to the process.

🔹 Start early: Don't wait for December to arrive. For the US and Canada, start the process months in advance, and for the UK and Ireland — at least 2–3 months early.

🔹 Consider the calendar: Check the national holidays of the respective country as well as the days off for VFS centers.

🔹 Prepare your documents thoroughly: During the pre-Christmas overload, flawed documentation may result in a application refusal or prolong the review process even further.