Can I get a China tourist visa from India?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for a tourist visa to visit China that allows them to visit the country for a maximum of 30 days in a 90-day period.
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Last Update: 24-12-2024
Want to explore the magical landscape and vibrant culture of China? This blog is an extensive guide to obtaining your China tourist visa hassle-free, tailored specifically for Indian travellers.
We cover everything from documentation, and application procedures to Chinese tourist visa fees, types, and validity.
⚡Quick Summary
 China tourist visa processing time | 5 working days after completing your appointment at the China visa application centre. |
 China tourist visa fees | INR 5,761/- |
 China tourist visa validity | 90 days |
 How to apply for a China tourist visa? |
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 Documents required for a China tourist visa |
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Yes, If you're an Indian planning to visit China, you'll need a visa to enter the country. Your China visa comes as a sticker on your passport. The visa allows for a 30-day stay in a 90-day validity period. Indian nationals can apply for a visa to China through the official government visa portal or Teleport in a few minutes.
No, China does not offer visas on arrival to Indians. You need to have your visa approved before your departure.
China tourist visas fall under the L visa category, designed for travelers visiting Mainland China for sightseeing, cultural exploration, or short recreational trips. Indian travelers planning visits to historic destinations such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, or the Silk Road cities must apply for this visa category before departure.
China tourist visa eligibility focuses on verifying travel intentions, financial readiness, and compliance with Chinese immigration requirements. Indian passport holders seeking a China tourist visa from India must meet several conditions before submitting an application.
Apply for your China tourist visa from India through Teleport with these simple steps:
Once the embassy approves your application, Teleport will notify you via WhatsApp and email. You can, then download your visa directly from the Teleport Dashboard.
Step 1: Identify Visa Type
Determine the right type of visa for your trip and check your eligibility, required documents, processing time, and fees.
Step 2: Collect Your Documents
To apply for a China visa, you need specific documents as outlined in the visa criteria. If your documents are not in English, make sure to get them translated by a certified translator. This will speed up your application process. Read below for a comprehensive checklist of all the documents you need for a China visa application.
Step 3: Begin the Application
Visit the Online Application Website and click on the ‘New Application Form’. Proceed to fill out the application form. Completing this process may take some time, but it's important to ensure that all information is filled in accurately. Once you finish filling out the form, review and print the application form.
Step 4: Book an Appointment
To schedule an appointment at the visa application centre, visit the official visa portal and go to the 'Manage Appointment' section. Enter your appointment/ application number and provide your contact details.
Teleport’s Expert Tip
Note
You can either submit your visa application yourself or authorise a third party to do so on your behalf. The Visa Centre accepts applications from Indian citizens or citizens of other countries legally staying in India. However, if you are not physically in India during the submission, the applicant will not be processed.
Note
If you are not in the country where the visa centre is located, please apply from your usual place of residence. You can also apply upon your return. Application acceptance is limited to those lawfully residing in the country where the visa centre is located.
Residents of consular districts should make their application to the Chinese Consulate-General. The consular districts of the Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata cover the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Chhattisgarh. Likewise, the Mumbai Consulate-General covers Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Chinese Consulate-General also operates in Delhi and the one in Chennai, is under construction.
Residents of a particular consular district should apply directly to the specified Chinese Consulate-General.
The Visa Centre allows visa applications from Indian citizens or citizens of other countries legally staying in India.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees
Applicants must make the full payment of fees in cash, which includes both the visa fees and application service fees. Accepted payment methods at the Visa Centre include cash and Demand Draft.
Step 6: Track your Application
To check the status of your China visa application, go to the official visa portal, click on 'History,' and select the 'Status' section. Learn steps to check China visa status.
Step 7: Receive Your Sticker Visa
After submitting your application and settling the visa fees, you can expect to receive your visa in 5 approximately working days. You can choose between picking up your passport directly from the visa application centre or getting your passport couriered to you. The passport comes with a sticker visa attached to it.
Note
To ensure the security of your package, it's essential to complete a courier return form when submitting your application. This form includes vital details such as a return address, valid bank account information, and contact details. Providing accurate information enables our visa centre to select a reliable postal company for the safe delivery of your passport to your specified address.
Here’s what China’s sticker visa looks like-
The visa number on your China sticker visa means-
1. Visa Category
2. Visa Validity
3. Date of Issuance
4. Full Name of the Applicant (in a lot of cases it is shown in an abbreviated format)
5. Date of Birth of the Applicant
6. Number of Entries Permitted
7. Duration of Each Stay
8. Place of Issuance
9. Passport Number
Following are the documents required for a China tourist visa application from India:
The China visa processing time is 5 working days after your appointment at the China VFS visa application centre is completed. It may take more than 5 days to issue a visa so it is recommended to apply at least 1 month before your planned travel dates, which gives you efficient time to book your appointment and prepare your documents.
It's recommended to initiate the China visa application process well in advance. Since most applications take around 5 days to process, applying at least one month before but not earlier than three months prior to your intended travel date is advisable to ensure sufficient processing time.
Following are the China tourist visa cost:
| Visa Type | Fee Type | Fees (in INR) |
Tourist Visa (Type - L) | Visa fees | ₹ 2,900 |
Service fees | ₹ 1,861 |
The China visa allows stay in China for 30 days within a 90-day timeframe. The actual validity may vary, as it is subject to the discretion of the embassy. While the embassy can issue it for up to 90 days, it is not guaranteed in every case.
Both tourist visa and the China business visa allow you to stay in China for a maximum of 30 days. Nevertheless, in some cases, the embassy may grant visas for shorter durations based on your travel history and application. It's advisable to confirm the precise dates and duration once your visa is granted.
China tourist visas differ based on the number of permitted entries into Mainland China during the visa’s validity. For travelers planning journeys across regions such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an, understanding the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry China tourist visas becomes essential.
China tourist visa applications involve a structured appointment and biometric verification process at the China Visa Application Service Center. For Indian applicants, this stage connects digital application data with physical identity verification required by Chinese immigration authorities.
China tourist visa tracking systems allow applicants to monitor the progress of their visa application after submission. Digital tools provided by visa centers help travelers stay informed while their China tourist visa for Indian citizens moves through consular processing stages.
Application Status Updates
Chinese embassies usually do not extend the validity of an issued visa. You need to file a new visa application every time your visa expires and you need a new visa.
You can apply to extend the ‘duration of stay’ of your visa at a local public security authority before the visa expires. However, remember that approval is not guaranteed and overstaying can lead to serious punishment under Chinese law.
Common China visa rejection reasons in India includes:
Teleport Expert Tip
To secure a visa to China, ensure you select the appropriate visa, meet all the China tourist visa requirements, complete your application timely and accurately, and especially keep Teleport’s expert tips in mind. Begin your visa application early to allow ample time for processing. With a little preparation and knowledge about the visa procedure, you're set for a smooth journey to China.
For a hassle-free China visa application experience, consider applying with Teleport. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the application process, ensuring your submission meets all the necessary criteria.
Entry procedures at Chinese airports involve several digital and security checks that international visitors must complete before entering the country. Travelers arriving with a China tourist visa for Indian citizens should prepare for biometric verification, customs inspection, and digital declarations upon arrival.
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for a tourist visa to visit China that allows them to visit the country for a maximum of 30 days in a 90-day period.
Both China tourist and business visas allow you to stay in the country for 30 days within a 90-day timeframe. However, the actual visa validity may vary subject to the Chinese Embassy’s discretion. Do confirm the precise dates and duration once your visa is granted.
It's advisable to apply for a China tourist visa at least one month before your intended travel date to allow the officials sufficient time to process your visa application.
Although you can fill out the application form online, you need to also secure a physical appointment at the Chinese Consulate to secure your Chinese visa.
Yes, typically, an Indian with a tourist visa for Mainland China can visit multiple cities within the country. Remember to check the specific conditions of the visa, such as the duration of stay allowed, etc.
You can track your China tourist visa application status online through the official website of the Chinese consulate or embassy where you submitted your application. You can use Teleport’s dashboard to check your application status if you have applied to Teleport. Applying through Teleport also gives you the advantage of receiving WhatsApp messages and e-mails for regular updates.
Yes, you can apply for a China tourist visa if you're visiting family or friends, provided you provide the necessary documentation and meet all China tourist visa requirements.
While obtaining travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for a China visa application we strongly recommend one just to be prepared in the face of any adversity. Consider acquiring health insurance coverage from reputable providers such as HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, Digit Insurance, etc.
A minimum bank balance for China tourist visa is INR 2,00,000 for each person applying for a Chinese visa is recommended. You should use bank statements and income tax returns as evidence of the same.
Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit China. The visa type would depend on the purpose for which you intend to visit China. For example, for tourism, the visa type is ‘L’.
China tourist visa processing time is 5 working days after the appointment at the China VFS visa application centre. It may take more than 5 days in some cases. We recommend you apply for your Chinese visa at least 1 month prior to your planned travel dates.
The China tourist visa cost is ₹ 2,900 and the regular service fee charged by the Embassy is ₹ 1,861. If you intend to avail of express service or postal service, the charges will increase.
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