China Visa Guide

China is known for many things, but for Indian travellers, a trek to Mount Kailash is probably a major highlight. So, with the trek resumed for Indian nationals, you can get a China visa and begin your travel across this beautiful country. Among many attractions, in the eyes of most travellers, the Great Wall of China is an iconic symbol that will have many tourists visiting. Your flight to China is incomplete if you do not visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a planned trip, you can take help from IndiGo sightseeing, which offers several short and long trips, treks, city exploration and more.

IndiGo offers direct flights to Guangzhou from major Indian cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Make sure to check for the base city from where you can get flights before you apply for a Chinese visa. While booking your India to China flight, you can also add several in-flight services that will make your journey comfortable. To make your entire China trip convenient, you also have the option to book hotels with IndiGo. Know more about how to apply for a Chinese visa, and what type of Chinese visa suits Indian nationals below:

Effective from December 2025, the Chinese Embassy has introduced a new process to simplify visa application procedures for Indian citizens. Below are the steps to self-apply for a Chinese visa from India:

• First, you need to visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre and provide the country and city you are applying from (Kolkata/Mumbai/New Delhi)
• You will be redirected to the website where you need to create an account
• Head to the ‘Application Form’ on the top right side of the website
• Fill in your personal information, passport, and travel details
• Upload your information and supporting documents
• Review before submitting
• Upload scanned copies of all required documents (invitation letter, if any)
• Download and print the visa application form and confirmation page

Note: Kindly note that the submission of the visa application and receiving a confirmation email does not mean your China visa is approved. You will need to physically visit the visa centre counter with all your printed documents, like a passport, an application form, a confirmation page, passport photos, and supporting documents, depending on the visa type.

• After completing the online form, visit the selected visa application centre
• Submit the documents and passport; you may also be required to provide biometric fingerprints
• Pay the visa fee and collect the payment receipt slip

After you have applied for a China visa both online and offline at the centre, you need to wait for the process. The entire visa application processing time may take up to 5 working days (excluding weekends).

• Visit the CVASC website and provide the country and city you are applying from (Kolkata/Mumbai/New Delhi)
• Click on ‘Track Application’
• Mention your receipt slip and passport number
• Click submit

Note: You will receive the date of visa and passport collection. You will need to visit the centre on the given date to collect your passport and China visa stamp, or opt for home delivery (if any).

Want to visit China from India? You need to apply for a Chinese visa beforehand, since it does not have a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Indian nationals. Below are the different types of Chinese visas you can apply for from India:

A tourist visa or type L visa is popular among tourists for sightseeing or visiting friends and family. This China visa for Indians allows you to explore the country and attractions, cities, and towns at ease. It is valid for 3 months, during which you can stay in China for 30 days per entry.

Eligibility for a Chinese tourist visa

• Must have an Indian passport, not older than six months
• At least two passport-sized photographs
• All travel documents, itinerary, and hotel bookings
• Invitation letter (if staying with family/friends)

China tourist visa validity

The tourist visa is valid for up to 3 months from the date it is issued. During this time, you can stay in China for a period of 30 days per entry.

Processing time for a Chinese tourist visa

The processing time for a Chinese tourist visa is 4 to 5 working days. For express visa/VIP, the processing time is 3 working days.

The China business visa or type M visa for Indian nationals offers activities for meetings, exhibitions and factory visits. For this visa, the applicant needs to procure an invitation letter from a Chinese company. The visa grants a short-term stay per visit, with a single or multiple entry options.

Eligibility for a Chinese business visa

• Must have an Indian passport, not older than six months
• An invitation letter from the company based in China
• Proof of employment in India

China business visa validity

The business visa for China is valid for 3 months to 1 year. However, the individual can stay for 30 to 60 days per visit. This visa offers a single or multiple entry.

Processing time for a Chinese business visa

The processing time for a Chinese business visa is 4 days for a regular visa process and 3 days for an express or VIP visa process.

There are two types of student visa for China, long-stay (X1) and short-stay visas (X2). X1 visas are for courses longer than 180 days, and X2 visa courses are up to 180 days.

Eligibility for a Chinese student visa

• Must have an Indian passport, not older than six months
• Admission letter from a Chinese institution
• JW201 form (scholarship students) or JW202 (self-funded students) form

China student visa validity

The Chinese student visa is valid depending on the duration of the course. The X1 visa offers a single entry and can be converted into a residence permit after arrival. Whereas the X2 visa is valid for the course duration (i.e. up to 180 days).

Processing time for a Chinese student visa

The processing time for a Chinese student visa is 4 to 5 working days.

The work visa (Z visa) for China is for those who wish to take up employment in China. The applicant needs to have a confirmed job in China to apply for this visa. This visa is usually a single-entry visa, after which an individual needs to apply for a residence permit.

Eligibility for a Chinese work visa

• Must have an Indian passport, not older than six months
• Work permit notification letter
• Job offer from a Chinese employer
• Relevant qualifications and experience

China work visa validity

The Chinese work visa is valid for 90 days; it is a single-entry visa. You need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China.

Processing time for a Chinese work visa

The processing time for a Chinese work visa is 4 to 5 days.

While making your China flight booking or applying for a China visa from India, there are a few guidelines you need to remember.

• Choose the right type of China visa: This is basic. If you are visiting China for tourism, you need to pick a tourist visa. But China visa has a type, for example: a tourist visa is type L, whereas a work visa is type Z. So, you need to remember.
• Check your passport validity: In order for your China visa not get rejected, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay plan. And your passport book must have at least two blank pages.
• Fill the visa form carefully in capital letters: To ensure your visa process goes smoothly, fill the form carefully with accurate and clear writing. The China visa form requires you to write in capital letters.
• Visit the visa counter/centre on time: Normally, you do not need to book an appointment for a China visa during the off-season, but make sure to book an appointment during peak season. Gather all your printed forms and original documents to submit.
• Apply visa at least 6 weeks before travel: While the visa process time for China is around 4 - 5 weeks, it is wise to apply in advance. This way, you can correct and reapply if there are any incomplete documents to be submitted.
• Prepare complete travel documents: While visiting the visa centre, make sure you have an original and print out copies of a passport, invitation letters (if any), hotel booking, return flight ticket, and printed confirmation/receipt.
• Biometric submission: A biometric submission may be required at the visa centre, but this depends on the type of visa you have applied for.
• Check for China visa validity and entry: Once the visa is issued, check the visa validity and entry details into China. Including duration of stay.
• Stay updated on the China visa guidelines: Stay updated on the rules and requirements of the China visa. This way, you will not face last-minute hassle.