Indian citizens need a visa in advance from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate (or through a Visa Application Service Center) before travelling to China.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportOriginal passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
• Visa Application FormDuly completed and signed Chinese Visa Application Form (Form V.2013).
• PhotoOne recently taken (within 6 months) color passport-sized photo (48mm x 33mm) with a white background, full face, front view, and no head covering (unless for religious reasons).
• Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight booking confirmation.
• Hotel ReservationProof of hotel reservation or an invitation letter from an individual or entity in China.
• Proof of FundsBank statements or other financial documents proving sufficient funds for the trip. The specific amount is not fixed but should be adequate for the duration of stay.
• Employment Certificate/Student IDIf employed, a letter from the employer stating position, salary, and approval for leave. If a student, a letter from the educational institution.
• Previous Chinese Visas (if any)Photocopies of previous Chinese visas and entry/exit stamps.

1. 1
   Complete the online visa application form accurately and truthfully on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website.

   CVASC Online Application Form
2. 2
   Book an appointment online through the CVASC website for submitting your application documents.

   CVASC Appointment Booking
3. 3
   Gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by the CVASC for your specific visa type.
4. 4
   Visit the CVASC on your scheduled appointment date with all original documents and photocopies. Submit your application and pay the visa fee and service charge.
5. 5
   Track your application status online using the reference number provided by the CVASC.
6. 6
   Collect your passport with the visa from the CVASC once your application is processed.

• Incomplete or inconsistent application documents.

  How to avoid: Ensure all required fields in the application form are filled correctly and all supporting documents are provided as per the checklist. Double-check for any discrepancies between documents.

• Insufficient proof of funds.

  How to avoid: Provide bank statements or other financial proofs that clearly demonstrate you have adequate funds to cover your expenses for the entire duration of your planned stay in China.

• Unclear or suspicious travel itinerary/purpose.

  How to avoid: Submit a detailed and realistic travel itinerary, including confirmed flight and hotel bookings. Ensure your stated purpose of visit aligns with the visa type you are applying for.

• Previous visa violations or overstays.

  How to avoid: Always adhere to visa regulations and the permitted duration of stay. If you have any past violations, be prepared to provide a clear explanation and supporting documents.

• Passport validity issues or damaged passport.

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into China and has sufficient blank pages. Your passport must be in good condition.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep the originals in a safe place.
• Be aware of local customs and etiquette. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be very helpful.
• Internet access can be restricted; consider using a VPN service if you need access to certain international websites and apps.
• Keep small denominations of local currency (RMB) for purchases, especially outside major cities.

• Can I extend my tourist visa while in China?

  It is generally possible to apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration Department in China. However, extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the authorities. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your visa's expiry.

• Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through China?

  China offers a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of certain countries, including India, under specific conditions (e.g., holding confirmed onward tickets to a third country/region). However, this policy has strict requirements regarding entry/exit points and duration. If your transit does not meet these conditions, or if you plan to leave the transit city, a G-visa (Transit Visa) is required.

• Can I work in China on a tourist visa?

  No, working in China on a tourist (L) visa is strictly prohibited. Engaging in any form of employment without the appropriate work visa (Z-visa) can lead to severe penalties, including fines, detention, and deportation.

• What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen in China?

  If your passport is lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to the local police station to obtain a police report. Then, contact the Embassy of India in Beijing or the nearest Indian Consulate General to apply for an emergency travel document or a new passport. After obtaining new travel documents, you must apply for an exit visa from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration Department before you can leave China.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for a Chinese visa?

  While not explicitly listed as a mandatory document for the visa application, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances during your stay in China.

• My Indian passport expires in 5 months. Can I still apply for a Chinese tourist visa?

  Indian citizens applying for a Chinese tourist visa generally need a passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of application. If your passport has less than six months validity, it is strongly recommended to renew it before applying for the visa. This ensures your passport meets the entry requirements for China.

• I was refused a US visa last year. Will this affect my Chinese tourist visa application?

  A previous visa refusal from another country may need to be declared on your Chinese visa application form. While it does not automatically lead to a refusal, the Chinese Embassy or Consulate will assess your application based on all provided information. It is important to be truthful and provide any requested explanations regarding past refusals.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a Chinese tourist visa from India?

  The Chinese Embassy or Consulate does not specify an exact minimum bank balance. However, you will need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel and living expenses in China. This typically includes recent bank statements, salary slips, or other financial documents to demonstrate your financial stability.

• I need to travel to China next month. Is that enough time to get a tourist visa from India?

  While it is possible to obtain a Chinese tourist visa within a month, it is generally advisable to apply well in advance, typically 1-2 months before your intended travel date. Processing times can vary, and applying closer to your travel date may not leave enough time for unforeseen delays or requests for additional documents. Always check the current processing times with the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

• I am self-employed in India. What documents do I need to show for a Chinese tourist visa?

  As a self-employed applicant, you will need to provide documents that prove your business's legitimacy and your financial stability. This typically includes your business registration certificate, recent bank statements (personal and business), income tax returns, and a letter explaining your business and travel purpose. These documents help demonstrate your intent to return to India and your ability to fund your trip.

• How much does a China visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for The Great Wall of China, or does this cover all of China?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a China visa is valid for the whole country — including The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Beijing, Terracotta Army, Xi'an and Shanghai Bund. Apply once for China and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.