China tourist visa for Indians
By Ganesh ·
How Indians apply for a China tourist visa: the online form, CVASC appointment, documents, fees, practical tips on payments and apps, and an 8-day first trip.
The short answer: Indians need a tourist (L) visa to visit mainland China. Fill in the online application form, book an appointment and submit your passport, documents and fingerprints at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in India, the official portal is visaforchina.cn, and the Chinese Embassy in India (in.china-embassy.gov.cn) publishes the rules. China resumed issuing tourist visas to Indians in 2025 after a long pause, and direct flights between the two countries have started again.
China's visa fees, document lists and special arrangements for Indian applicants (including temporary fee reductions) change from time to time. Check the Embassy's notices and visaforchina.cn before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Step by step
- Plan your trip: flights, hotels and a day-by-day itinerary. You'll need them for the form.
- Fill in the online visa application through the official portal and print the confirmation and form.
- Book an appointment at the CVASC for your jurisdiction (the centres are in major Indian cities).
- Submit your passport and documents, and give fingerprints (most adult applicants).
- Pay the visa fee and service charge.
- Collect your passport with the visa on the date given.
Documents (typical)
- Passport valid for at least six months, with two blank visa pages, plus a copy of the bio page.
- Printed online application form and confirmation, with a photo to China's specifications.
- Return flight reservation and hotel bookings for your whole stay.
- Itinerary, or, if a friend or relative in China invites you, an invitation letter and a copy of their ID.
- Sometimes: bank statements, employment letter or other supporting documents.
Costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee, single entry | Check the Embassy's current fee table (reduced fees have applied to Indians at times) |
| CVASC service charge | Check visaforchina.cn |
| Return flights India–China | ₹25,000–₹50,000, depending on route and whether it's direct |
| Hotels, mid-range | ₹4,000–₹9,000 a night in big cities |
Before you go: practical China
- Payments: mobile wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate. Both let foreigners link international cards now. Set them up before you fly, and carry some yuan in cash.
- Internet: Google, WhatsApp and many Western apps are blocked. An international roaming plan or eSIM often works better than local Wi-Fi; download offline maps and translation packs.
- Trains: high-speed trains link Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Book on the official 12306 site or app with your passport.
- Offline itinerary: keep your Sancharees trip available offline, with hotel addresses in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
An 8-day first trip
- Beijing (3 nights): the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
- Xi'an (2 nights, by high-speed train): the Terracotta Army and the city walls.
- Shanghai (3 nights): the Bund, Yu Garden, a day trip to a water town.
FAQ
Is China issuing tourist visas to Indians?
Yes. China resumed tourist visas for Indian nationals in 2025. Check the Embassy's latest notices.
Can Indians get a China visa on arrival?
No, apply before you travel. China's visa-free transit arrangements apply to a list of nationalities that you should check. Don't assume they cover Indians.
How long can I stay on a China tourist visa?
Each visa states the number of entries and the days allowed per stay. Commonly 30 days per stay for tourists, as granted.
What about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
That pilgrimage is organised separately, through the Ministry of External Affairs' application process. Check kmy.gov.in for the current year.
Photo: Great Wall of China July 2006 by Velatrix, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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