This guide is based on the Chinese government, embassy and visa centre pages listed at the end, checked on 2026-10-20. Tables and worksheets are VisaPilot preparation methods, not an official checklist.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for China?
India is not on China's 30-day unilateral visa-free list or on the 57-country list for 240-hour visa-free transit, so a trip to mainland China needs a visa in advance. The one exception open to every nationality is 24-hour direct transit: with a confirmed onward ticket you may stay up to 24 hours in the airport restricted area without a visa.
Holders of diplomatic or official passports follow separate rules and apply through the embassy, not the visa centre.
Where to apply
Where you submit depends on the state you live in:
| Consular district | States | Submit at |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate-General in Mumbai | Maharashtra, Karnataka | Visa Application Service Center, Mumbai |
| Consulate-General in Kolkata | Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal | Visa Application Service Center, Kolkata |
| Embassy in New Delhi | All other states and territories | Visa Application Service Center, New Delhi |
The embassy launched its online visa application system on 22 December 2025: you fill in the form and upload your documents on visaforchina.cn, then bring your passport and printed documents to the centre. The New Delhi centre is on the concourse floor of Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 15:00.
No appointment has been needed since November 2023; you can submit on any working day within the centre's cut-off time. Regular processing usually takes 4 working days and express 3 working days for complete applications.
Documents every applicant needs
- Original passport valid for at least 6 more months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the information pages. Bring passports that expired in the last 5 years.
- The completed application form and online confirmation page.
- Recent colour photos, 48 mm × 33 mm, taken within 6 months. No glasses or hats; religious head coverings are accepted if the whole face is visible.
- Copy of your most recent Chinese visa, if you had one.
- If you are not an Indian citizen: proof of legal stay, residence, work or study in India.
Extra documents by visa type
| Visa | Purpose | What the embassy lists |
|---|---|---|
| L | Tourism | Itinerary, hotel booking, flight booking, bank deposit proof of at least Rs 1 lakh, and an invitation letter when necessary |
| M | Business and trade | Documents on the business activity from the Chinese partner or a trade fair invitation, a copy of the inviting company's business licence and the ID card of the inviter or legal representative |
| Q1 / Q2 | Family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents | Invitation letter, copy of the inviter's ID or passport and permanent residence permit, original and copy of marriage, birth or other relationship certificates |
| S1 / S2 | Family of foreigners working or studying in China | Invitation letter, copy of the inviter's passport and residence permit, relationship certificates |
| X1 | Study over 180 days | Admission letter and form JW201 or JW202 |
| Z | Work | Notice of Foreigner's Work Permit |
An invitation letter should give the applicant's details, purpose, places, dates and length of stay, relationship to the inviter and who pays, plus the inviter's contact details, address, seal or signature. See the invitation letter guide for the field list.
Fees and fingerprints
Embassy fees for Indian citizens, excluding the visa centre service fee:
| Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry | Rs 2,900 |
| Double entry | Rs 4,400 |
| Multiple entry, 6 months | Rs 5,900 |
| Multiple entry, one year or more | Rs 8,800 |
| Express | Rs 1,800 extra |
| Urgent | Rs 2,700 extra |
The embassy extended the reduced visa fees until 31 December 2026. If a visa is refused, the embassy waives its visa and express fees; the centre's own service fees are handled separately.
Fingerprints are not taken from applicants under 14 or over 70, from people fingerprinted with the same passport in the last 5 years, or, for now, from short-term single or double-entry applicants staying under 180 days.
Pre-submission worksheet
Copy this list and fill it in before you go to the centre.
Visa type: [L / M / Q2 / S2 / ...] Centre: [New Delhi / Mumbai / Kolkata] Passport valid until: [date] Blank pages: [number] Online form submitted and approved: [yes / no] Photo: [48 x 33 mm, taken within 6 months] L: itinerary, hotel and flight bookings, bank proof of Rs 1 lakh or more: [ready?] M / Q / S: invitation letter with seal or signature, dates match the form: [ready?] Previous Chinese visa copy: [yes / not applicable] Open questions: [list]
Common questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. India is not on the 30-day visa-free list or the 240-hour transit list. Only 24-hour direct transit, staying in the airport restricted area with a confirmed onward ticket, is possible without a visa.
How much is a China visa for Indians?
The embassy lists Rs 2,900 for a single entry, Rs 4,400 for a double entry, Rs 5,900 for a six-month multiple entry and Rs 8,800 for one year or more, plus the visa centre service fee. The reduced fees run until 31 December 2026.
Do I need an appointment at the Chinese visa centre in India?
No. The appointment requirement was removed in November 2023. Complete the online form, then submit at the centre on any working day before its cut-off time.
How long does a China visa take from India?
Usually 4 working days for a regular application and 3 working days for express, once the application is complete. Missing or inconsistent documents add time.
How much bank balance do I need for a China tourist visa from India?
The embassy asks L visa applicants for proof of a bank deposit of no less than Rs 1 lakh, along with the itinerary and hotel and flight bookings.
Official sources and check dates
- Embassy of China in India: Notice on updating requirements for Chinese visa application · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in India: FAQs on applying for Chinese visa · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in India: FAQs on applying for Chinese visa (II) · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in India: Notice on extension of visa-fee reduction · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in India: Notice regarding online visa processing · 2026-10-20
- National Immigration Administration: Visa-free transit policies · 2026-10-20
Official instructions take priority. Requirements differ between embassies, consulates and visa centres, so check the page for the place where you will apply. VisaPilot is an independent document preparation and review service, not affiliated with the Chinese government, embassies or visa centres. This guide does not assess eligibility or predict a decision.
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