2026 Bank Holidays

A bank holiday is a day when banks and financial institutions are closed. This is usually a public holiday, but not always. In some countries, it is a day when banks and financial institutions are closed, but not all public holidays are bank holidays.

The UK typically has 8 permanent bank holidays in England and Wales, with additional days for special occasions. Scotland has 9 permanent bank holidays, while Northern Ireland has 10. Some years may have extra bank holidays for special events like royal celebrations.

When a bank holiday falls on a weekend in the UK, Ireland, or India, the holiday is usually moved to the following Monday (known as a 'substitute day'). This ensures workers don't lose out on their entitled holiday.

No, there is no legal requirement for businesses or banks to close on bank holidays in any of these countries. While many choose to close, it's entirely at their discretion. Some businesses, especially retail and hospitality, often remain open with modified hours.

Each region has its own unique bank holidays based on cultural and religious significance. For example, St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday in Ireland, while Scotland observes St Andrew's Day. India has both national and regional holidays that vary by state, including festivals like Diwali and Eid.

Bank holiday dates in the UK and Ireland are typically announced several years in advance by their respective governments. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes the official list of bank holidays for each state annually, usually a few months before the new year begins.