China Tourist Visa for Indians: Requirements, Process & What to Expect
China has always fascinated Indian travellers. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the night skyline of Shanghai, the pandas of Chengdu — there is a reason millions of people dream of visiting this country. But before you pack your bags, there is one thing you must get right: your China tourist visa.
If you are an Indian passport holder, you cannot walk into China without a valid visa. There is no visa-on-arrival. There is no e-visa option (at least not yet, as of 2026). You have to apply, submit documents, visit a visa centre in person, and wait for your passport to come back with that important sticker.
Sounds like a lot of work? It does not have to be. When you know exactly what is needed and follow each step carefully, getting your China tourist visa from India is a straightforward process.
This guide covers everything — the type of visa you need, the documents required, the fees, the application process, common mistakes to avoid, and what to expect at the visa centre. If you want professional help putting it all together, our team at Sunraj Travels is experienced with international visa applications and can manage the entire process for you.
What Kind of Visa Do You Need to Visit China?
China issues different visa categories depending on your purpose of travel. For Indian tourists visiting China for sightseeing, leisure, or meeting friends and family, the correct visa is the L Visa, also called the China Tourist Visa.
The L Visa is a short-stay visa. It allows you to stay in China for up to 30 days per entry, within an overall validity period decided by the visa officer. The validity options are:
- Single entry
- Double entry
- Multiple entry (six months)
- Multiple entry (one year)
Most first-time applicants from India are issued a single-entry or double-entry L Visa. The exact stay duration and validity depend on your documents, travel history, and the visa officer’s discretion.
Important: The L Visa is only for tourism, recreation, sightseeing, and casual visits. You cannot use it for business meetings, study, or employment.
China Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Meeting the china tourist visa requirements completely is the most important step. A missing or incorrect document is the fastest way to get your application delayed or rejected.
Here is the full checklist:
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into China. It must also have a minimum of two blank pages for the visa sticker and immigration stamps.
New requirement from November 2025: You must also submit all your old or previous passports along with your current one. This is a stricter rule introduced recently, so do not overlook it.
If your passport is damaged, about to expire, or has no blank pages, renew it before applying.
2. Completed Visa Application Form
The China Online Visa Application (COVA) form must be filled out on the official CVASC website before your appointment. You then print the completed form, attach your photograph, and sign it by hand.
Every field must be filled accurately. Even small errors — a wrong phone number, a misspelt name, or a blank field — can lead to rejection.
3. Passport-Size Photograph
Your photo must meet these specifications:
- Size: 33mm × 48mm (some sources mention 35mm × 45mm — always check the latest CVASC guidelines)
- White background
- No glasses, no hat
- Full face, front-facing, eyes open
- Colour photo taken within the last six months
Print the photo and attach it to your application form in the space provided.
4. Round-Trip Flight Tickets
You need confirmed or tentative round-trip flight bookings showing your entry and exit dates from China. The tickets must include flight numbers and port of entry or exit.
Note: Some applicants book refundable tickets before applying and cancel them if needed. This is a common practice, but confirm with your travel agent before doing so.
5. Hotel Bookings
Submit hotel reservations for your entire stay in China. Each booking must clearly show the hotel name, address, check-in and check-out dates, and your name.
If you are staying with friends or family in China, you need an invitation letter from your host instead of hotel bookings. The letter must be signed and include the host’s address, contact details, and their relationship to you.
6. Day-by-Day Travel Itinerary
Write a detailed itinerary covering which cities you plan to visit and what activities you will do each day. A vague or incomplete itinerary is one of the main reasons visa applications get rejected.
Your itinerary should match your hotel bookings and travel dates. Keep it consistent.
7. Bank Statements
You need to show sufficient funds to cover your stay in China without working there. Submit bank statements for the last three to six months.
The minimum balance requirement is approximately ₹1,00,000 per person in your account. Sudden large deposits just before applying will raise concerns. Your account should reflect regular transactions and a stable financial history.
Additional financial documents such as income tax returns, salary slips, or Form 16 can strengthen your application.
8. Proof of Employment or Occupation
Submit documents that prove your ties to India — that you have reasons to return after your trip. This can include:
- Salaried employees: Employment letter on company letterhead + salary slips
- Business owners: GST registration or business registration certificate
- Students: College ID or bonafide certificate
- Retired persons: Pension documents or property ownership papers
9. Proof of Indian Citizenship
Submit a copy of your Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID as proof of your Indian citizenship.
10. Cover Letter
Write a brief cover letter addressed to the Chinese Consulate. Introduce yourself, mention your travel plans, state that you will return to India before your visa expires, and list the documents enclosed with your application. This is not mandatory for all applicants, but it significantly helps your case.
11. Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the China tourist visa, but submitting one shows the visa officer that you are a prepared traveller. Your policy should ideally cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation, and be valid for your entire stay in China.
China Tourist Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
The Chinese Embassy extended reduced visa fees for Indian citizens until December 2025. It is advisable to check the current fee structure before applying, as fees may have changed.
As of the most recent available data, the fee structure was:
| Visa Type | Embassy Fee |
| Single Entry | ₹2,900 |
| Double Entry | ₹4,400 |
| Six-Month Multiple Entry | ₹5,900 |
| One-Year (or more) Multiple Entry | ₹8,800 |
In addition to the embassy fee, the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) charges a service fee of approximately ₹1,861 to ₹1,973 for regular service.
If you need your visa faster, an express service is available at an additional charge of around ₹1,800 to ₹2,908, which reduces the processing time to approximately six working days.
Note: All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Some applicants are exempt from the embassy fee, including students and certain dependants of Chinese citizens. However, service charges still apply in most cases.
Where Do You Apply? CVASC Locations in India
The Chinese tourist visa from India must be applied for in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). You cannot send your documents by post for the initial submission, as biometrics (fingerprints) are collected during your visit.
The three main CVASC locations in India are:
- New Delhi — covers most Indian states
- Mumbai — covers Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Kolkata — covers Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal
Your application location depends on where your passport was issued, not your current city of residence. So if your passport was issued in Chennai but you now live in Mumbai, check the CVASC website to confirm which centre is correct for you.
If you are based in Malad, Mumbai, you will likely apply at the Mumbai CVASC. Our team at Sunraj Travels in Malad can guide you through this and help you prepare your documents ahead of your appointment.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is exactly how to apply for a China tourist visa from India:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents. Go through the checklist above and collect every document. Make photocopies of each original. Organise them neatly in the order required by the CVASC checklist.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form. Visit the CVASC website. Select your country (India) and city. Fill in the COVA form online with accurate information. Once complete, print the form, attach your photograph, and sign it.
Step 3: Upload Documents (New Online Step from December 2025) A new pre-approval step was introduced in December 2025. Applicants must now upload digital copies of their passport, photograph, and supporting documents to an online portal and receive an electronic clearance before submitting physical copies at the CVASC. This has added a few extra days to the overall process.
Step 4: Book Your Appointment Once your online submission is ready, book an appointment at your nearest CVASC. Appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Step 5: Visit the CVASC. On your appointment day, carry all original documents and their photocopies. Your fingerprints will be taken at the centre. Pay the required fees (visa fee + service fee).
Step 6: Wait for Processing. Standard processing takes approximately 4 to 7 working days after your in-person appointment. Express processing takes around 2 to 3 working days. Weekends and public holidays (both Indian and Chinese) are not counted.
Note: Since the new online pre-approval step was introduced in December 2025, end-to-end processing has extended to 10 to 15 working days in some cases. Plan accordingly.
Step 7: Collect Your Passport. You will be given a date to collect your passport. You can either pick it up from the CVASC or opt for home delivery (if available at your centre). Your visa sticker will be affixed to your passport.
How Early Should You Apply?
Apply for your China tourist visa from India at least one month before your travel date. This gives you enough time for document preparation, the new online pre-approval step, in-person submission, and the standard processing window — with room to spare in case of any delays.
For travel during major holiday seasons such as Diwali, Christmas, or Chinese New Year, apply even earlier, as appointment slots and processing times can stretch significantly.
You should apply no earlier than three months before your intended travel date, as your visa needs to remain valid through your actual trip.
If you are already working on your international travel plans, our team at Sunraj Travels can also help you plan the rest of your trip — from flights to hotels and travel insurance — alongside your visa application.
Processing Time Summary
| Service Type | Processing Time |
| Standard | 4–7 working days (after in-person submission) |
| Express | 2–3 working days (extra fee applies) |
| Urgent | 24 hours (extra fee applies) |
| End-to-end (with new online step) | 10–15 working days |
Common Reasons for China Tourist Visa Rejection
India has one of the highest China visa rejection rates among Asian countries. With the new online pre-approval system introduced in December 2025, rejection rates have spiked further due to minor document discrepancies being caught early.
Here are the most common reasons for rejection — and how to avoid them:
- Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form: Missing fields, spelling errors, or details that do not match your passport are instant red flags. Fill every field carefully. Cross-check your name, date of birth, passport number, and travel dates against your passport before submitting.
- Missing Documents: Not submitting your flight bookings, hotel reservations, or cover letter leads to rejection. Go through the official CVASC checklist and ensure every item is included. Bring originals and copies to your appointment.
- Insufficient Financial Proof A low bank balance, sudden large deposits, or irregular account activity raises doubts about your ability to support yourself in China. Maintain a minimum of ₹1,00,000 in your account for at least three months before applying.
- Weak or Vague Travel Itinerary A one-line itinerary saying “will visit tourist spots” is not enough. Write a day-by-day plan that matches your hotel bookings and makes logical sense in terms of travel between cities.
- Inconsistent Information Your application form, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and itinerary must all tell the same story. If your form says you will be in Beijing from the 5th to the 8th, but your hotel is booked from the 6th to the 9th, it creates inconsistency.
- Passport Not Meeting Requirements: Less than six months’ validity, fewer than two blank pages, or not submitting old passports (new rule from 2025) are straightforward reasons for rejection. Check your passport before anything else.
- Wrong Photo Specifications: China has strict photo requirements. A photo with a non-white background, incorrect dimensions, or showing glasses or a hat will get rejected.
- Not Disclosing Previous Visa Rejections The application form asks whether you have ever been rejected for a visa by any country. If you have, you must declare it. Hiding this information is a serious error that can result in a permanent record.
- Weak Ties to India. If the visa officer believes you might not return to India after your trip, your application can be denied. Employment letters, property documents, or family ties help establish that you have strong reasons to come back.
- Applying Too Late or Too Early: Apply within the three-month window before your travel date. Applying with less than two to three weeks to go puts your trip at risk if any issues arise.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
- Keep your documents consistent. Every date, name, and detail must match across all papers.
- Write a clear, detailed cover letter. It helps the visa officer understand your purpose and plan.
- Book hotels and flights that are refundable or flexible until your visa is approved.
- Apply at least one month in advance to avoid last-minute pressure.
- Check the CVASC website for the latest requirements two to three weeks before applying, as rules can change.
- If you have previously been rejected, address every reason before reapplying. There is no mandatory waiting period, but a rushed reapplication with the same issues will fail again.
Can You Extend Your China Tourist Visa Once Inside China?
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration Office at least seven days before your current visa expires. You need to provide supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, an invitation letter, and financial means.
Extensions are granted case by case, and visa officers have complete discretion. It is better to apply for the right duration upfront rather than rely on an extension.
Travelling to China: What to Expect on Arrival?
Once your visa is approved and you land in China, here is what you can expect:
- Immigration officers will check your visa sticker, passport, and arrival card.
- Keep a copy of your hotel booking and return flight ticket handy at immigration.
- Your fingerprints may be taken again at the border.
- Carry enough local currency (Chinese Yuan or CNY) for the first few days. Forex services can be arranged before you leave India.
If you want help with currency exchange or travel insurance before your China trip, our team at Sunraj Travels offers both forex services and travel insurance as part of our international travel packages.
Why Work With a Travel Agency for Your China Visa?
Applying for an international visa like the China tourist visa involves multiple steps, strict document requirements, and a new online pre-approval process that many first-time applicants find confusing.
Working with a travel agency that is experienced in international visa support — like Sunraj Travels in Malad — gives you several advantages:
- Your documents are reviewed before submission to catch errors early
- You get help filling out the online COVA form correctly
- Appointment scheduling at the CVASC is handled for you
- You have expert guidance if your application needs to be corrected or resubmitted
Beyond the visa, we can also help you plan your complete China holiday — from flights and hotels to day-by-day itineraries across cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
If you are based in Malad or anywhere in Mumbai, visit us or contact our team to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can Indian citizens get a China visa on arrival?
No. India is not on China’s visa-on-arrival or visa-free list. Indian passport holders must apply for a China tourist visa before travelling.
2.How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?
A single-entry China tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The visa officer determines the exact duration based on your itinerary and documents.
3.What is the total cost of a China tourist visa from India?
The total cost includes the embassy fee (₹2,900 for single entry) plus the CVASC service fee (approximately ₹1,861 to ₹1,973 for regular service). Express processing costs extra.
4,How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from India?
Standard processing takes 4 to 7 working days after your in-person appointment. With the new online pre-approval step introduced in December 2025, the end-to-end process can take 10 to 15 working days.
5.Can I reapply if my China visa is rejected?
Yes. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, you must identify and fix all the issues that led to rejection before reapplying. Mention your previous rejection on the new application form.
6.Do I need a travel agent to apply for a China visa?
No, you can apply on your own. But given the strict requirements, the new online pre-approval step, and the relatively high rejection rate, working with an experienced visa support team reduces errors and improves your chances.
7.I live in Malad, Mumbai. Where do I submit my China visa application?
Residents of Maharashtra submit to the CVASC in Mumbai. Our team at Sunraj Travels can guide you through the appointment booking and document preparation.
Final Thoughts
Getting a China tourist visa from India is completely doable. The process has become slightly more involved with the new online pre-approval steps introduced in late 2025, but a well-prepared application with complete documents will sail through smoothly.
The key is to start early, be accurate, and be consistent across all your documents. If you are travelling for the first time to China, or if you have faced a rejection before, professional guidance can save you time, money, and stress.
At Sunraj Travels, we have been helping Indian travellers with international holidays and visa support since 2010. Our team in Malad is familiar with China visa requirements and can take care of the paperwork while you focus on planning your trip.
Reach out to us to discuss your China holiday package — or if you just need help with the visa application. We are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable, from the first document to your last day on the Great Wall.
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