How to Get China Visa from India: Complete Guide for Indian Travellers in 2026
Planning a trip to China from India? Whether you are travelling for sightseeing, business meetings, trade fairs, or commercial activities, you will generally need the appropriate Chinese visa before travelling to mainland China.
The visa application process can seem complicated at first, especially when you are unsure about the documents, fees, processing time, and where to submit your application.
This guide explains how to get a China visa from India in simple steps, including the latest information on tourist and business visas.
Important: Visa requirements and fees can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Chinese Embassy in India or the relevant Chinese Visa Application Service Center before submitting your application.
Quick Overview: China Visa for Indians
|
Requirement |
General information |
|
Tourist Visa |
L Visa |
|
Business Visa |
M Visa |
|
Application |
Online application/document submission followed by visa-centre submission as applicable |
|
Passport validity |
At least 6 months with 2 or more blank visa pages |
|
Tourist financial proof |
Bank account deposit proof of at least ₹1 lakh is listed in the Embassy's requirements |
|
Processing time |
Usually around 4 working days for qualified regular applications at the Embassy level |
|
Express processing |
Usually around 3 working days for qualified applications |
|
Application centres |
New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, according to consular jurisdiction |
The Chinese Embassy states that applicants should apply through the Visa Application Service Center applicable to their consular jurisdiction. China Embassy in India
How to Apply China Tourist Visa from India
If your purpose is sightseeing, tourism, or visiting tourist attractions in China, you normally need an L Visa, commonly called a China tourist visa.
Here is the general application process.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa Type
For tourism, sightseeing and holidays, apply for an L Visa.
If your purpose is commercial or trade-related activities, such as business meetings, negotiations or visiting a Chinese business partner, an M Visa may be appropriate instead.
Choosing the correct visa category is important because the supporting documents depend on your purpose of travel.
Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application
The Chinese Embassy in India announced the launch of its online visa processing system from December 22, 2025. Applicants can complete the online application and upload supporting documents through the official visa application system. China Embassy in India
Make sure the information you provide is accurate and consistent with your passport and supporting documents.
Errors in your application can result in delays or requests for additional information.
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
One of the most important parts of the process is preparing the correct documents.
For a tourist application, the Embassy's published requirements include a tour itinerary, hotel booking/order, airline ticket order and bank account deposit proof of at least ₹1 lakh. An invitation letter may also be requested when applicable. China Embassy in India
Step 4: Submit Your Application at the Visa Center
After completing the required online process, submit your documents and passport through the appropriate Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Applicants in different parts of India may fall under different consular jurisdictions. The Embassy identifies New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata visa centres for applications according to the applicant's jurisdiction. China Embassy in India
Step 5: Wait for Processing
For qualified applications, the Chinese Embassy has stated that regular processing is usually 4 working days, while express processing is usually 3 working days. These timelines refer to Embassy processing and can be affected by document issues or requests for additional information. China Embassy in India
It is therefore better not to book a non-refundable trip immediately before your visa is approved.
Step 6: Collect Your Passport
Once your application is processed, collect your passport according to the instructions provided by the Visa Application Service Center.
Check your visa carefully after receiving your passport. Pay attention to:
The Chinese Embassy explains that validity, number of entries and duration of stay are different concepts. The duration of stay is the period you are permitted to remain in China after entering the country. China Embassy in India
China Tourist Visa for Indian: Documents Required
One of the most common questions from Indian travellers is: What are the China tourist visa for Indian documents required?
The exact requirements can vary depending on the applicant and the circumstances, but the published requirements include the following.
General documents
You should generally prepare:
The Embassy specifies recent colour photographs measuring 48 mm × 33 mm. China Embassy in India
Tourist-specific documents
For an L Visa, the Embassy's published requirements include:
China Embassy in India
A practical tip for applicants
Keep your documents organised before uploading or submitting them.
Your travel dates, hotel information, flight details, itinerary and other information should be consistent. If the information in different documents conflicts, the visa authorities may ask for clarification or additional documents.
Apply for China Business Visa from India
If you are travelling to China for commercial or trade activities, you may need an M Visa, commonly known as the China business visa.
The M Visa is intended for people travelling to China for commercial and trade activities. China Embassy in India
How to Apply for China Business Visa from India
The general process is similar to the tourist visa process, but the supporting documents are different.
1. Select the M Visa category
Select the M Visa when your visit is for eligible commercial or trade activities.
Do not select a tourist visa simply because it may appear easier if your actual purpose is business-related. Your visa category should match your genuine purpose of travel.
2. Complete the online application
Provide your personal information, passport details, travel information and other requested details through the applicable online visa application system.
Upload the required supporting documents according to the current instructions.
3. Obtain the required invitation documents
For an M Visa, the Embassy lists documents relating to the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, a trade-fair invitation, or another appropriate invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual.
The published requirements also mention a copy of the inviting party's business licence and identification documents of the inviter or legal representative. China Embassy in India
4. Submit the application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the appropriate Chinese Visa Application Service Center for your jurisdiction.
5. Wait for processing and collect your passport
Qualified applications are generally processed by the Embassy within the stated regular or express processing timelines, although individual applications can take longer if additional checks or documents are required. China Embassy in India+1
China Business Visa for Indian Fees
The visa fee generally depends on the number of entries and validity, rather than simply whether the visa is tourist or business.
For Indian passport holders, the reduced Chinese visa fees have been extended through December 31, 2026, according to the Chinese Embassy in India. China Embassy in India
The published reduced fee structure for Indian passport holders is:
|
Visa entry type |
Visa fee |
|
Single entry |
₹2,900 |
|
Double entry |
₹4,400 |
|
Multiple entry – 6 months |
₹5,900 |
|
Multiple entry – 12 months or above |
₹8,800 |
These are the visa fees and should not automatically be treated as the total amount you will pay. Visa Application Service Center service charges and optional services can be additional.
The Embassy also states that express and urgent charges are separate. Its January 2026 notice lists ₹1,800 for express service and ₹2,700 for urgent service. China Embassy in India
Before payment, check the current fee schedule of the relevant Visa Application Service Center because service charges and procedures can change.
China Tourist Visa for Indian: How Many Days?
Another common question is: China tourist visa for Indian how many days does it take?
For qualified applications, the Chinese Embassy in India's published guidance states:
China Embassy in India
However, this does not mean every applicant will receive a visa within exactly 3 or 4 working days.
Applications can take longer if:
The Embassy also advises applicants whose expected collection date has passed to check with the Visa Application Service Center for any request for additional documents or evidence. China Embassy in India
For this reason, apply well before your planned departure date.
Do Indian Applicants Need to Give Fingerprints?
Fingerprint requirements can change depending on the visa type and current temporary exemptions.
The Chinese Embassy has stated that applicants holding ordinary passports who apply for short-term single- or double-entry visas with a stay of less than 180 days are currently covered by a temporary fingerprint-collection exemption. The Embassy notes that the effective period of this convenience measure is subject to further notification. China Embassy in India
There are also other exemptions, including certain age-based and previous-fingerprint circumstances.
Because this is a policy that can change, check the latest instructions before visiting the Visa Application Service Center.
Where Can Indians Apply for a China Visa?
China visa applications from India are handled according to consular jurisdiction.
The Chinese Embassy states that:
The corresponding Visa Application Service Centers are located in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. China Embassy in India
Always confirm your jurisdiction before starting the application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a China Visa
A few simple mistakes can cause unnecessary delays.
1. Applying under the wrong visa category
Your visa category should match your actual reason for travelling.
2. Providing inconsistent information
Make sure your passport, application form, flight details, hotel booking and itinerary do not contradict one another.
3. Using an old photograph
The Embassy requires a recent colour photograph. It states that the photograph should have been taken within six months and meet the specified size and format requirements. China Embassy in India
4. Waiting until the last minute
Even though standard processing may be relatively quick, additional checks can extend the timeline.
5. Assuming the visa fee is the total cost
The government visa fee and Visa Application Service Center charges are separate components. Optional services may add to the total.
6. Booking everything before visa approval
Avoid making important non-refundable travel commitments until you understand your visa status and travel requirements.
China Visa from India: Simple Checklist
Before submitting your application, use this checklist:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a China visa required for Indian citizens?
For ordinary travel to mainland China, Indian citizens generally need to obtain the appropriate visa unless they qualify for a specific visa-exemption or transit-exemption arrangement.
The exact rules depend on the purpose and circumstances of the trip, so check the latest official requirements before travelling.
How much is a China tourist visa for Indians?
For an Indian passport holder, the published reduced visa fee is ₹2,900 for a single-entry visa. Double-entry and multiple-entry options have different fees. Additional Visa Application Service Center charges may apply. China Embassy in India
How much is a China business visa for Indians?
The government visa fee is based on the number of entries. The current reduced rates listed for Indian passport holders are ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for six-month multiple entry and ₹8,800 for 12-month-or-more multiple entry. China Embassy in India
How long does a China tourist visa take from India?
For qualified applications, the Embassy states that regular processing is usually 4 working days and express processing is usually 3 working days. Individual cases can take longer. China Embassy in India
Can I apply for a China business visa without an invitation?
An M Visa application normally requires supporting evidence relating to the commercial activity, such as documents from a Chinese trade partner, trade-fair invitation or another appropriate invitation. Check the current requirements for your specific case before applying. China Embassy in India
How much bank balance is required for a China tourist visa from India?
The Chinese Embassy's published L Visa requirements specify bank account deposit proof of no less than ₹1 lakh. China Embassy in India.
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