Visa policy · Verified 2026-08-11
China Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens (2026)
No — Indian Citizens currently need a visa to visit China
Apply before departure at an embassy, consulate, or visa center
How to get a China tourist visa
India is not currently on China's visa-free or transit lists, so you'll need an L (tourist) visa before departure. The process: complete the COVA form online, book an appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center, attend with your documents and fingerprints, and collect your passport about 4 working days later.
Documents you'll need
- Passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages
- COVA application form + recent photo
- Round-trip flight and hotel bookings (or an invitation letter)
- Bank statements may be requested for some nationalities
Getting there from India
Direct flights between India and mainland China resumed in late 2025 after a five-year suspension and have expanded quickly: China Eastern and Air India link Delhi with Shanghai, Air China links Delhi with Beijing, and IndiGo flies from Kolkata to Guangzhou and Shanghai. Frequencies are still limited, so many travelers also route through Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok, where connections run all day.
Frequently asked questions
- How do indian citizens apply for a China visa?
- Apply at the nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Most applicants need an in-person appointment for fingerprints.
- How long does it take and what does it cost?
- Standard processing is about 4 working days; express options are faster and cost more. Fees vary by nationality and entry count — check your local CVASC for exact pricing.
- What documents are required for a tourist (L) visa?
- Passport with 6+ months validity, the completed COVA online application form, a photo, round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, and appointment confirmation.
- Could my country become visa-free later?
- China has expanded its visa-free list repeatedly since 2023. Check back or use our checker before you apply — policies have been announced with only weeks of notice.
- Can Indian citizens get a China visa on arrival or an e-visa?
- No — China offers neither visa-on-arrival nor an e-visa for Indian tourists, and India is not on the 240-hour visa-free transit list either. Apply for the L (tourist) visa in advance through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. The one exception: the standard 24-hour direct-transit rule still applies if you're just connecting through a Chinese airport to a third country.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration — Visa-Free Transit Policies
- China Visa Application Service Center — 240-Hour Transit FAQ
Last verified 2026-08-11. Entry policies change quickly — always confirm with an official government source before booking travel.
Same policy, other passports
Comparing more than a couple of passports? The full country list shows every policy tier on one page — all 50 visa-free countries, the mutual-agreement group, and who qualifies for the 240-hour transit.