China Visa for Indians: How to Apply & Requirements

Last Updated : 02 May 2024

Last Updated : 02 May 2024 at

30 Seconds Summary

Indian nationals travelling to China must apply for a visa, which allows them to visit the country for tourism.

China issues a tourist visa, which is stamped directly on your passport.
You must submit your passport to the embassy to process your visa.
The China visa for Indians can be applied for through an authorised agent such as Atlys or a visa application centre.

With Atlys, the China visa for Indians can be completed online. Atlys will collect and return your passport and visa safely to your doorstep.

Important Information

China

— Visa type

Short-term tourist visa

— China visa cost

The China visa fee is ₹6,100 for a single entry visa.

— China visa processing time

Using Atlys guarantees visa delivery to your doorstep within 19 days, covering both pickup and drop-off services.

— China visa validity

The China visa is valid for 90 days.

— Length of stay

The China visa allows you to stay up to 30 days.

Do Indians need a visa for China?

Yes, to visit China as a tourist, Indians must apply for a China tourist visa, commonly known as "L-Visa". This visa category allows independent tourists and those travelling in groups to enter the country.

You can apply for a China visa online through Atlys or through a visa application centre

Is there a China visa on arrival for Indian passport holders?

No. It is important to note that China does not provide a visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Before going on their trip, Indian citizens must apply for a China visa. You can easily apply for a China visa through Atlys.

China visa requirements for Indian passport holders

The China visa for Indians requires a few documents that you must submit:

Valid passport: Ensure your passport has a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages.
Passport copies: Provide photocopies of the front and back of a valid passport, including additional photocopies of your previous passport that has expired within the last 5 years.
Visa form: The visa application form should be accurately completed online on the provided site, then downloaded and printed.
Previous Chinese visa: Submit a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa for Indians if applicable.
Passport-size photographs: Include two recent passport-size photographs with a white background (48mm×33mm).
Proof of funds: Include an original bank certificate displaying the applicant's account number, balance, and personal details.
Travel arrangements: Submit proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations.
Itinerary or travel plan: Include a copy of the itinerary or travel plan for the trip to China.
Letter of invitation: If applicable, submit a letter of invitation from the Chinese host or travel agency, including all relevant details.
Cover letter: Your cover letter should include the purpose, dates, places to be visited, and details of the inviting party.
Certification letter from your employer: This letter should include details such as the employer's name, contact number, and the applicant's income statement.

Through collaboration with government partners, Atlys streamlines the application process, reducing the paperwork needed. Simply provide your passport and aphoto, and we'll cover the rest.

Visa application jurisdiction

Visa applications are processed according to specific areas designated by the Chinese embassy and consulate general in India.

If you live in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, or West Bengal, your visa application will be handled by the Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata.
Residents of Maharashtra or Karnataka will have their visa applications processed by the Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai.

Applicants in regions outside the areas mentioned above must submit their visa application through the Chinese visa application centre in New Delhi.

China visa fees for Indians

The China visa for Indians costis ₹6,100*.

*It is important to note that the visa fees are subject to change, so check the official China visa online website for the most up-to-date information.

China visa application process for Indians:

Ensuring clarity and convenience for our readers is our top priority. When obtaining a China tourist visa, you have two options: apply seamlessly through Atlys or take charge of the application process yourself.

How to apply through Atlys

With Atlys, applying for a China visa for Indians is made easy and straightforward. We will handle the entire application process for you. Here's an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for applying through Atlys:

1
Start application on Atlys: Begin your visa application process on Atlys.
2
Complete the application: Provide personal information, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee.
3
Pick-up by courier: Atlys will arrange for a courier to collect your passport(s) and required documents for submission to the embassy.
4
Submission to embassy/consulate: Atlys reviews your application to ensure it meets the requirements and submits it to the embassy/consulate in Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai, depending on the jurisdiction of your passport.
5
Visa processing: Once your visa processing is complete, Atlys uses a trusted courier to collect your application and documents. We will inform you about the approval or rejection of your visa application.
6
Get the China visa for Indians: Atlys safely returns your passport and documents to your doorstep. Your visa will be attached to or placed inside your passport.

Why choose Atlys

Atlys is an approved authorised agent of the Chinese government, which allows you to skip going to the embassy for an appointment.
Atlys will collect your documents from home and submit them to the embassy on your behalf
The approval rating for the China visa on Atlys is 100%.
Using Atlys guarantees visa delivery to your doorstep within 19 days, covering pickup and drop-off services.

How to apply through the government website

The application is partially online. Applicants must complete the visa application form online, submit it in person at the China visa application centre, and complete the visa application there.

Here are the application steps you must follow to submit the China visa for Indians:

1
Go to the official government website: Fill out the online application form with accurate information. Upload the necessary documents, such as a passport, passport-sized photo, and supporting documents based on your travel purpose.
2
Visa appointment scheduling: Once your online application is complete, schedule a visa appointment through the website. Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment at the designated application centre.
3
Submission of application on appointment day: Visit the designated application centre on the scheduled appointment day and submit your completed application along with the required documents. You will receive a pick-up form specifying the time to collect your visa, usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on a later date.
4
Payment of visa fees: Pay the applicable visa fees using the designated payment methods. Keep the payment receipt safe, as it will be required during the visa collection process.
5
Collection of visa: Return to the application centre on the specified date and time to collect your visa. Present the payment receipt and any additional documents as instructed by the authorities.

The China visa application centre follows a first-come-first-take method, and it can take a lot of time to get your visa approved. Atlys facilitates the application process and removes the requirement to visit the embassy/application centre in person.

Tips to apply

Make sure the file sizes you upload aren't too large. Your digital photo must be 45mm x 35mm in JPEG format, and the maximum size must be 300kb.
Remember that the entire process is not online; keep hard copies of all your documentation, including the application form.
Submit your visa application well before your intended travel date to allow ample time to rectify any issues and ensure you receive your visa on time.
After submitting, regularly check your visa application's status online to promptly address any follow-up requirements or corrections.

Receive your approved China visa for Indians

Once you submit your visa application, it enters the processing phase. Since an application can be easily delayed, we recommend you apply as early as possible.

Through Atlys:

After your visa has been processed and approved, Atlys will send you a notification confirming its approval. Then, your visa and passport will be securely delivered to your doorstep via a trusted courier.

Through the Government website (or visa application centre):

The government will send no emails for visa approval; you must verify it manually or through the visa application centre’s website. Return to the application centre on the specified date and time to collect your visa. Present the payment receipt and any additional documents as instructed by the authorities.

Here is what your Chinese visa will look like:

Sample of the Chinese tourist visa for Indians

China visa information for Indians

How to check your China visa status?

1
Visit the visa centre where you applied.
2
Click on “Manage application”.
3
Provide your application number and passport nr.
4
Click on “Check” to see your visa status.

Apply with Atlys and easily check your China visa status on the Atlys app.

How can I check my China visa status through Atlys?

To check the status of your China visa, follow these simple steps:

Download the Atlys app.
Select “Profile” and then “My Documents”.
Inside "My Documents," find your China visa.
Click on your visa to access its current status.

Processing time for China visa

The visa processing timeis up to 15 days once submitted to the embassy.

It does not include the time it takes to complete the online application, collect your documents and travel to the embassy.

Applying for your visa can take more than a month. On Atlys, you can apply online and receive your visa guaranteed within 19 days.

China visa validity & duration of stay

The China tourist visa for Indians is a single-entry visa allowing a stay of 30 days. China tourist visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

Our commitment to visa accuracy

All the information in this blog is sourced from official government websites, ensuring reliability and accuracy. You can trust the content to be accurate, but remember to stay informed, as changes may happen without notice.

Government fees and processes can change over time. Atlys recommends double-checking the government website for the most current and up-to-date information before applying.

We’re here to answer all your questions

Will my documents and passport be safe when I apply with Atlys?

Yes. Atlys uses trusted courier partners to ensure your passport and documents are safely transported from your doorstep to our visa fulfilment centre. Once we receive your application and documents, we will verify they are correct and submit them directly to the embassy for processing.

Once your visa is processed and approved, it will be safely returned to your doorstep.

How do I receive my approved China visa through Atlys?

Once your visa is approved, Atlys will dispatch it to your home address. Your visa, a sticker affixed directly onto your passport, ensures you are ready to embark on your journey.

What happens if my China visa gets rejected?

At Atlys, you will receive a 100% refund of your visa fees (up to ₹8000), excluding the service fees. If your visa gets rejected, you will be notified of the reason for rejection. By fixing these rejection reasons, you can reapply for your visa. You will lose the funds when applying through the government or visa application centres.

What type of China visa do I need as a tourist?

Travellers will require a tourist visa. The tourist visa for China is a short-term visa that grants you access to China, commonly known as L-Visa. Tourists who want to visit China for tourism or a casual visit to meet friends & relatives can apply for a tourist visa.

When can I submit a visa application?

You can apply as early as three months before your planned travel date, with the latest application accepted up to one month before your intended departure.

What are the China visa requirements for minors?

Visa procedures and fees are the same for independent and accompanying child applicants sharing the principal applicant's passport. For an India to China visa additional documents for minors are required:

Birth certificate.
Parents' identity document proof such as passport or residence permit.
Declaration of consent.

What are the Chinese passport photo requirements?

You must have coloured photos.
Dimensions must be 48mm×33mm.
White background.
Neutral expressions on the face.
Your head must be square to the camera.
Any kind of glasses are not allowed.
Headgear is prohibited except for religious reasons.
Photographs shouldn't be older than 3 months.

What are the passport requirements for the China visa?

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your intended stay in China.
Blank visa pages: Your passport should have at least one blank visa page for the visa stamp.
Condition: Your passport should be in good condition.

What do I do after my visa is approved?

After your China visa for Indians has been approved, you will be able to collect and fetch your passport and visa at the embassy. Your approved visa will allow you to travel to China within the validity period of your visa.

What are some common reasons that will cause my visa to be rejected?

Visa rejections are case-specific and can vary for each applicant. But here are some of the common reasons that can cause a visa rejection:

Incorrect documents.
Incomplete documents.
If authorities find your background to be a threat to security.
When your passport is close to expiring.
Lack of funds to cover your stay.

Can I extend my China visa?

Yes, Indians can request a visa extension at a local public security authority before it expires, but approval is not guaranteed. Please remember that overstaying violates Chinese laws and carries penalties.