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China Tourist Visa from India: Application, Requirements & Processing

Last Update: 24-12-2024

Forbidden City, Dongcheng, Beijing, China

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?

  1. Apply through Teleport in minutes
  2. Apply through the official government portal.

Documents required for a China tourist visa

  1. Passport 
  2. 2 Photographs
  3. Vaccination Certificate
  4. Cover Letter
  5. Flight and Hotel Bookings
  6. Bank Statement (last 6 months)
  7. Old Chinese Visa (if any)
  8. See other documents

In this article


  1. Do I Need a China Tourist Visa from India?
  2. How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa from India?
  3. China Tourist Visa Requirements
  4. China Tourist Visa Processing Time
  5. China Tourist Visa Fees for Indians
  6. What is the Validity of a China Tourist Visa?
  7. China Tourist Visa Extension Process for Indians
  8. FAQs

Do I Need a China Tourist Visa from India?

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.

Can Indians Get China Tourist Visa on Arrival?

No, China does not offer visas on arrival to Indians. You need to have your visa approved before your departure.

How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa from India?

Get Your China Visa for Indians via Teleport

Apply for your China tourist visa from India through Teleport with these simple steps:

  1. Begin Your Application: Visit the Teleport China visa portal, select 'Start Application,' and choose the appropriate visa type for your travel, whether tourist or business visa.
  2. Input Information: Enter your passport details and visit details.
  3. Gather Required Documents: A Teleport Relationship Manager will help you collect all the essential documents for your China tourist visa application. Applicants from southern regions should apply in Mumbai, while those from northern regions of India should apply in Delhi. So, if you're applying for your China tourist visa through the Delhi Consular Office, please courier all necessary documents to the nearest Teleport office. However, if you're applying through the Mumbai Consular Office, you'll need to visit in person to submit your biometrics.
  4. Appointment: For people applying through the Mumbai Consular Office - We will arrange an appointment for you based on availability for you to visit and submit your documents and biometrics physically. For people applying through the Delhi Consular Office - Your Relationship Manager will schedule a China visa appointment at the visa application centre and will also submit the documents on your behalf.

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.

Apply through the Chinese Official Government Portal

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.


Application Form for China Visa


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.


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Teleport’s Expert Tip

For a smooth experience at the China Visa Centre, be sure to schedule your appointment before your visit. Plan ahead to secure your preferred time slot and avoid peak hours, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Present your appointment details upon arrival to swiftly receive a queue number, reducing your wait time to just a few minutes.

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- 


China Sticker Visa


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

China Tourist Visa Requirements

Following are the documents required for a China tourist visa application from India:

  1. Visa Application Form: Completed form with valid signature.
  2. Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with 2 or more blank visa pages.
  3. Photograph: Two recent passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm), matte finish, 80% face visibility, white background, and visible ears. More on China visa photo requirements.
  4. COVID Vaccine Certificate: Vaccination certificate linked to the passport.
  5. Bank Statement: Original last six-month statement with bank stamp and signature on each page; minimum ₹2,00,000 balance.
  6. Cover Letter: Details such as visit purpose, travel dates, full name, work profile, stay in China, travel logistics, expense responsibility, home address, and contact number.
  7. Travel Itinerary: Day-to-day visit details, including arrival/departure dates, places to visit, and accommodation arrangements.
  8. Proof of Accommodation: Hotel confirmation from China with letterhead, seal, and signature.
  9. Flight Reservation: Round-trip flight booking confirmation.
  10. Old Chinese Visa: Copy of previous visas, if applicable.

China Tourist Visa Processing Time

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.

China Tourist Visa Fees for Indians

Following are the China tourist visa cost:

Visa TypeFee TypeFees (in INR)

Tourist Visa (Type - L)

Visa fees

2,900

Service fees

1,861

What is the Validity of a China Tourist Visa?

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 Visa Extension Process for Indians

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.

Why Do China Tourist Visa Applications Get Denied in India?

Common China visa rejection reasons in India includes:

  1. Inadequate documentation: Failing to submit all the needed documents can result in a visa denial.
  2. False information: Providing incorrect or false information leads to just to an immediate rejection but also potential future application bans.
  3. Inadequate finances: Inadequate proof of financial stability and inability to cover the cost of your stay can lead to rejection. 
  4. Weak ties to home country: If you cannot establish strong connections to India, such as family, property, or employment, immigration authorities may question your intentions to return, potentially resulting in visa rejection.
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Teleport Expert Tip

To avoid visa denial for China, ensure you have solid proof of finances. It's advised to keep at least ₹2,00,000 in your bank account for each person applying. Provide bank records and income tax returns as evidence.

Source of information for this article:

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

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.

How long can I stay in China with a tourist visa?

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.

How far in advance should I apply for a China tourist visa?

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.

Can I apply for a China tourist visa online?

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.

Can I visit multiple cities in China with a tourist 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.

How do I check the status of my China tourist visa application?

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. 

Can I apply for a China tourist visa if I'm visiting family or friends?

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.

Do Indians Need Travel Insurance While Travelling to China?

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.

What is the minimum bank balance required for for China tourist Visa?

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.

Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit China?

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’.

What is the Processing Time for a China Visa?

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.

What are the China visa fees for Indians?

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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