Indian citizens typically need a visa for China

As of 2026-09-22

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: 2026-09-22 • 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. Indian applicants typically apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata (by where you live), after completing the online form and uploads.

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. Applications from Indian citizens are processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata (by where you live), after completing the online form and uploads.

Once approved, Indian passport holders may stay in China for the duration specified on the visa.

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 through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata (by where you live), after completing the online form and uploads

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

Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the China visa guide.

Important Notes for Indian Applicants

Indian citizens apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata (by where you live), after completing the online form and uploads
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have extended their reduced visa fees until 31 December 2026; applications start online, with the form and documents uploaded before you visit the centre.
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
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 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.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a China visa?

Indian citizens typically apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata (by where you live), after completing the online form and uploads. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.