China Tourist Visa from India: Application, Requirements & Processing

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.

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.

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.

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. For China visa status check, use your Pickup Form Number and contact number, or your Application Number with your Passport Number.

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.

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

The China tourist 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:

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 the China 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.

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.

You'll also receive regular updates from us via WhatsApp and email.

Common reasons for China visa applications being denied in India includes:

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.