Indian citizens typically need a visa for China

As of 2026-09-08

Processing

4 working days

Fee

INR 2,900 single, INR 8,800 one-year multiple (reduced to 31 Dec 2026)

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Apply At

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata) →

Last updated: 2026-09-08 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

China Visa Overview for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens require a visa to visit China. Tourist (L) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata; reduced consular fee until 31 December 2026 with express (INR 1,800) and urgent (INR 2,700) surcharges unchanged; fingerprints waived for stays of up to 180 days until 31 December 2026. No visa-free or transit scheme covers Indian passports. The visa application fee is INR 2,900 single, INR 8,800 one-year multiple (reduced to 31 Dec 2026), with standard processing taking 4 working days.

Applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Check with the nearest China embassy or consulate for application procedures.

Once approved, Indian passport holders may stay in China for Per visa conditions.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering China

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in China, with at least 1 blank page
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
Evidence of sufficient funds
Approved visa in passport (or printed e-visa approval)

Travel insurance for ChinaPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Available Visa Types for Indian Citizens

Visa-Free Entry (30 Days)

Citizens of 50 countries under the unilateral policy to 31 December 2026, plus Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE and others under treaties: 30 days per entry for tourism, business, visits, exchanges or transit

None: present your passport at the borderFree

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Indonesia and Vietnam, transiting to a third country through 65 ports in 24 provinces: up to ten days

Granted at the port of entryFree

Tourist (L) Visa

The standard visa for a holiday or a visit to friends, applied for online through COVA and lodged at a visa application centre or mission

4 working days standardBy nationality: US$140, £64, Rs2,900, NGN 10,500; 25% reduced to 31 Dec 2026

Business (M) Visa

For commercial and trade activities on the invitation of a Chinese company, with the same fee schedule as the tourist visa and multi-year validity for some nationalities

4 working days standardSame schedule as the L visa

How to Apply

Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and bank statements

Complete the visa application through the China embassy or authorized visa agent

Pay the visa application fee of INR 2,900 single, INR 8,800 one-year multiple (reduced to 31 Dec 2026)

Submit your application at the nearest China embassy or visa centre

Wait for processing (typically 4 working days)

Receive your visa — check whether it is sent by email or requires passport collection

Don't overpay on your CNY visa feePartner

Your bank adds a hidden 3–5% exchange rate markup to every international payment. On a typical visa fee, that's money you'll never see again. Wise uses the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) with a small, transparent fee — so you keep more of your money.

16M+ customers · Mid-market rate · Transparent fees · Free to openCheck what you'd save

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travelling to China? Your money sortedPartner

Debit card

Spend at the mid-market rate worldwide

40+ currencies

Hold and convert in one account

Local bank details

Get USD, GBP, EUR & more

Apple & Google Pay

Contactless payments everywhere

ATM withdrawals

Cash access worldwide

Earn interest

On GBP, EUR & USD balances

Used by 16M+ people · Regulated by FCAGet your free account

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travel insurance for ChinaPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Stay Rules & Conditions

Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity
Submitting incomplete documents — missing bank statements, employment letters, or accommodation proof are common reasons for delays or refusal
Waiting until the last minute to apply — standard processing can take weeks, and peak seasons add further delays

Important Notes for Indian Applicants

The visa fee of INR 2,900 single, INR 8,800 one-year multiple (reduced to 31 Dec 2026) is typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied
Standard processing takes 4 working days — priority or express services may be available for an additional fee
Keep ITR (Income Tax Returns), Form 16, and bank statements ready — these are critical for Indian applicants
Build travel history with easier destinations like Thailand, UAE, or Singapore before applying for US/UK/Schengen
Book VFS appointments early morning for faster processing

Land in China with working dataPartner

Set up a Saily eSIM before you fly and have data the moment you land — no airport SIM queues, no roaming bills. You need connectivity for immigration forms, ride-hailing, and pulling up your visa approval letter on arrival.

200+ destinations · Install in 10 min · Keep your home number activeGet your eSIM

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for China?

Yes, Indian citizens typically need a visa to visit China. The visa application fee is INR 2,900 single, INR 8,800 one-year multiple (reduced to 31 Dec 2026). Standard processing takes 4 working days. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

How long can Indian citizens stay in China?

With an approved visa, Indian citizens may stay in China for Per visa conditions. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

How long does the China visa take to process for Indian citizens?

Standard processing for Indian applicants typically takes 4 working days. Apply well in advance of your travel dates as processing times can vary. Check with the application centre for current wait times.

What documents do Indian citizens need for a China visa?

Key documents typically include: a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay), passport-size photos, bank statements showing sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and an employment or business letter. Check the official application form for the complete list.

Can Indian citizens work in China on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in China, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.