Chinese Visa for Indians, Visa Fees & How to Apply in 2025

Imagine a land where ancient traditions blend beautifully with futuristic skylines, where every corner tells a story of rich history, and bustling markets offer treasures you've never seen before. Yes, that is China.

Just a hop away from India, China promises an extraordinary adventure packed with cultural discoveries and jaw-dropping sights. But before you plan a visit to this amazing country, there's one crucial step: securing your Chinese visa from India. It's a must for all Indian travellers, and getting it sorted well ahead of your trip will ensure a smooth journey to this fascinating country.

Yes, if you're an Indian citizen planning to visit China, a visa is a must. Whether you’re going for tourism, business, or studies, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa type beforehand.

No, Indian citizens are not eligible to get a visa on arrival in China. You need to have a valid passport and a tourist visa to enter the country.

No, unfortunately, China doesn’t provide e-visa for Indians. You can apply for a tourist visa for China from India online.

While travel insurance isn’t legally mandatory for entering China, it’s highly recommended. Medical emergencies or unexpected events can be costly, and having insurance ensures peace of mind and financial protection during your trip.

• Applicants must either be Indian citizens or foreign nationals lawfully residing in India. 

• The Visa Centre only accepts applications from those physically present in India at the time of submission. 

• Applications must be submitted within the jurisdictional consular district of the Chinese Embassy relevant to your residence. 

• If you’re outside India, you must apply from your current country of residence or upon your return.

Choose the Right Type of Chinese Visa Based on Your Travel Purpose

Begin by identifying the visa category for China that suits your travel needs, whether it's for tourism, business, study, work, or family visits.

Complete the China Visa Application Form Online

Visit the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and fill out the visa application form online. Be meticulous while entering details and upload a digital passport-size photo following the specified guidelines. Once completed, print the form and sign it, ensuring it’s ready for submission.

Schedule an Appointment with the Visa Center

Use the CVASC’s online portal to book an appointment at the nearest visa application centre. Remember, appointments are mandatory for submitting your application, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Visit the China Visa Application Center for Submission

Attend your scheduled appointment at the designated centre with all required documents. During the visit, submit your application and, if required, provide biometric data such as fingerprints.

Pay the Visa Application Fees for China

Proceed to pay the China visa price for Indians. Ensure you receive a receipt for your payment, as it will be needed later to collect your processed visa.

Track the Status of Your Visa Application

Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online through the CVASC website.

Collect Your Passport with the Approved Visa for China

Once notified, collect your passport and visa from the application centre. Carefully check the visa details, including validity, number of entries, and duration of stay, to ensure there are no discrepancies. This final step marks your readiness to explore China.

Collect Your Indian Passport

Once the application is processed, collect your passport from the VAC or opt for courier delivery (if available). If approved, your passport will include the Italy Schengen visa, detailing its validity and travel conditions.

It should take you around 8 days for visa processing in normal cases. But if you’d like an express visa, a higher fee will be charged.

• Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and blank visa pages.  

• Apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, etc.) well in advance through the Chinese Visa Application Centre.  

• Carry sufficient local currency (Chinese Yuan) as some areas may not accept international cards.  

• Download essential apps like WeChat and Alipay for communication and cashless transactions.  

• Be aware of local customs, laws, and regulations, especially regarding restricted items and behaviour.  

• Always carry a copy of your travel documents, hotel addresses, and emergency contact numbers.  

• Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app to ease communication.  

• Be cautious about internet access; many popular global websites are blocked in China.  

• Familiarize yourself with public transportation, including metro systems and ride-hailing services.

Your visa application for China can be rejected for several reasons, such as incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient funds, weak travel itinerary, lack of strong ties to your home country, previous visa violations and/or false or misleading information. If your visa for China gets rejected, you will be informed by the consular office, and you will have an option to reapply for it again.

The best way to get approval for your application for a China visa from India is to ensure all required documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date and to be truthful and straightforward in your application.

Yes, you can extend your China visa while you are in the country in some specific cases, such as for business or study visas. However, extensions may be possible under certain conditions. It's crucial to check with the local public security authority of China before your current visa expires to inquire about extension procedures and requirements.

International Travel Insurance is a must-have document before you leave India. The policy will save you from financial crisis under different circumstances like medical emergencies, loss of baggage, loss of passport, delay in baggage, and other such situations. Here is why you need valid travel insurance for your trip to China:

Emergency Medical Evacuation

You may during any time of your trip feel the need to have medical assistance. It may lead you to a situation where you can not continue with your trip further.

Cancellation of Trip

You should always buy the best Travel Policy that covers the cost of cancellation of the trip including the flight prices and hotel accommodation cost. 

Missed Connecting Flight

In case, you happen to miss your connecting flight to reach your destination, your bookings will go in vain. This happened because the first flight got delayed. You should not worry as your Travel Policy will cover the price of bookings.

Injury or Sickness

Anytime during your stay in China, you may feel sick or suffer from some illness. The immediate help would be medical aid, which may cost you more than what it costs in our country. But the medical assistance was necessary, and you took it. This expense will be covered in the Travel Insurance Policy. 

Loss of Baggage

Imagine when in China, you lost your baggage before you checked in the hotel. And along with the bag, you lost all your important documents and money. You just need to call your insurer and they will arrange the rest.

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance to China:

Adventure Activities Covered

Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, etc. (provided the duration is one day). 

Smartphone-enabled claims process

It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim. 

Missed Call Facility

Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges! 

Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays

If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience. 

Worldwide Support

We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*